New Delhi: Nail biting is very common among people. Most of them, however, are unaware of the dangerous effect of nail biting on health.
In scientific terms, nail biting is known as onychophagia. The habit of biting nails always begin with childhood and exist to adulthood. Generally, people starts nail biting during free time of when they indulge in any activity like watching TV, internet surfing, gaming, etc.
What people are unaware of the side effects of this non-intentional habit.
So, here are some common and menacing diseases which can be caused by nail biting
1. Stomach Diseases
When you bit your nails, it directly go to your stomach through your mouth. It may cause gastrointestinal infections which further lead to diarrhoea and stomach ache. In the case of children, digestive problem and intestinal worms are the two most common diseases which is caused by nail biting.
2. Nail Infection
Nail infection can make the area around nails red and bacterial. When you tear a part of your nail, the micro organisms can enter through that teared part and cause infection.
3. Bruxism
Excess grinding of nails or clenching of jaws can cause bruxism. The habit of biting nails can make your teeth grinding on and on. Bruxism can cause jaw pain, tense muscles, chronic headaches etc. Sensitive teeth could be the other health hazard.
4. Dental Problems
Nail biting can cause serious issues related to your mouth and teeths. It can bring crack in your teeths or even shift your teeth's actual position ( overlapping of teeths), etc. Weakening of gum tissues is also one of the most menacing cause for your teeths.
5. Impaired Quality of Life
According to a study, people who bit their nails lead to highest quality of life impairment than the people who did not. However, nail biting is related to the emotional state of an human being as one bite nails during stress or anxiety.
