
Nail biting is a habit that often develops in children of primary school age.It may be copied from other children or arise as nervous habit.It presents no risk to health,but bitten nails are nervous habit.It presents no risk to health,but bitten nails are unsightly and,if bitten down to the quic,may cause soreness.

If your child has a tendency to bite his or her nails,try to keep them trimmed and smooth.Encourage your child to take pride in his or her appearance.Buying a manicure set may help.Bitter tasting paint for the nails is unlikely to have any effect and may make your child resentful.Most children have stopped biting their nails by the time they reach adolescence.