Topics Habits & quirks

Is it normal to eat your fingernails?

Mostly.Normal for most people

Yes—biting your nails and sometimes swallowing the bits is a common habit. It’s usually not a big deal, though it can irritate your mouth or damage your nails and teeth over time.

Nail-biting often happens when you’re bored, stressed, or concentrating, and plenty of people do it without really noticing. Swallowing a little bit of nail now and then usually passes without trouble.

It’s not exactly a snack your body needs, though: frequent biting can leave your fingers sore, raise the chance of skin infections, or wear down your teeth. If it’s causing pain or you feel unable to stop despite wanting to, it may be worth talking it through with a healthcare professional.

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