How Do You Treat Nail Biting in Children?

Nail Biting in Children

Many children bite their nails at some point, often as a reaction to boredom, stress, or habit. You might notice your child doing it while watching TV, reading, or even falling asleep. While it may seem harmless at first, nail biting can wear down teeth and introduce bacteria into the mouth. Children who bite their nails also run the risk of developing misaligned teeth or sore gums.

Parents often overlook nail biting compared to other habits like thumb sucking or teeth grinding, but it can affect dental health just as much. A child who frequently chews their nails puts unnecessary pressure on their front teeth and jaw. Over time, this pressure can change how their teeth sit and how they close their mouth. Early intervention works best to avoid long-term dental problems.

Should You Treat Your Child’s Nail Biting Habit?

You should treat your child’s nail biting habit if it is ongoing or if it begins to affect their teeth, gums, or speech. Even if it doesn’t seem like a serious concern, repeated nail biting can interfere with normal development. For example, the act of biting can push front teeth forward or cause small chips in the enamel. These changes may not show up right away but can create challenges later.

It’s better to address the habit early instead of waiting for permanent teeth to come in. Once permanent teeth shift out of place, fixing them often requires orthodontic work. Children are more likely to respond to simple strategies or appliances if the problem is caught early. You may be able to help your child stop the habit at home, but sometimes professional support makes it easier.

When you take the habit seriously, your child is more likely to do the same. By showing your child that nail biting can lead to dental problems, you help them understand why change matters. Encouragement and consistency from you make any treatment more effective.

What Are Problems Caused by Nail Biting?

Nail biting might seem like a small issue, but it can lead to real dental and health problems for children. When children bite their nails often, they put extra strain on their teeth and jaws. This can lead to chipped or misaligned teeth, especially if the habit continues after permanent teeth come in. Nail biting also increases the risk of oral infections by bringing bacteria from under the nails into the mouth. Beyond dental problems, the habit can cause pain in the fingers and cuticles, as well as discomfort in the jaw over time.

The longer the habit continues, the more likely these problems will build up. Some children don’t even realize they are biting their nails, which makes it harder to stop. For this reason, it’s helpful to know what kinds of problems can happen—so you can take steps to stop it early.

Here are the common problems caused by nail biting in children:

1. Tooth chipping or cracks – Biting hard nails can chip or crack the edges of the front teeth, especially if the teeth are still developing.
2. Tooth misalignment – The constant pressure from nail biting can shift teeth out of place, leading to bite issues or crowding.
3. Oral infections – Bacteria under the nails can transfer into the mouth and cause infections in the gums or around the teeth.
4. Nail and cuticle damage – Frequent nail biting can cause bleeding, soreness, and even open wounds near the fingernails.
5. Jaw tension or discomfort – Repeated biting motion can strain the jaw muscles, leading to soreness or tightness around the face and neck.

You can also read our full guide on

Problems Caused by Nail Biting in Children and How To Treat Them

How Can You Treat Nail Biting in Children?

Treating nail biting in children takes consistency and patience, but you have several options that work well when used early. The right approach depends on your child’s age, awareness of the habit, and how deeply it’s affecting their teeth or gums. Most parents start with simple strategies at home and only move on to professional treatment if the habit doesn’t stop. A combination of home routines, positive reinforcement, and dental tools can help break the cycle.

At Home

Parents can manage mild nail biting habits at home by making a few consistent changes to routine and environment.

The first step is to talk with your child about the habit in a calm and direct way. Help them understand when they are doing it and why it can hurt their teeth and fingers. Many children don’t realize they’re biting until someone points it out gently.

Next, you can set up reminders or small rewards for keeping their hands out of their mouth. Some parents use stickers or charts to track nail biting-free days. Others try covering nails with a bitter-tasting, safe polish that discourages chewing. Fidget toys or stress balls also give kids something else to do with their hands, especially if nail biting happens during screen time or homework.

Changing routines helps too. Keep your child’s nails trimmed short and smooth so there’s less to chew on. Encourage them to wash their hands regularly so they become more aware of touching their face. These small steps build awareness and reduce the chance of long-term damage.

With a Habit Breaking Appliance

A dentist may recommend a habit breaking appliance if home strategies don’t stop the habit or if nail biting is already affecting your child’s teeth. These appliances are small devices placed in the mouth to interrupt the motion of nail biting or other repetitive habits. They act as a physical reminder and make it harder to continue the behaviour without discomfort.

Your child will need to be old enough—usually six years or older—for the appliance to be effective and safe. Dentists first check if the teeth are developed enough and whether the child understands how the appliance works. The appliance is typically fixed in place behind the front teeth and stays there for several months. It doesn’t hurt, and most kids adjust to it within a few days.

Appliances are often used after home methods have been tried without success. In some cases, your child may also see a speech therapist or myofunctional therapist if the nail biting is tied to other oral habits. Checkups happen every six to eight weeks to make sure the appliance stays in place and to track progress. Once the habit fades and your child no longer relies on nail biting, the appliance is removed.

You can also read our guide on

Types of Habit Breaking Appliances and Their Cost

Kids Dental Group Can Help with Nail Biting

We understand how frustrating it can be to watch your child struggle with nail biting, especially when it starts to affect their teeth or comfort. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to solve it on your own. At Kids Dental Group, we’ve helped many families break oral habits gently and effectively, using both in-office appliances and personalized strategies.

If you’re unsure where to start or feel like nothing at home is working, we’re here to support you. Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll walk you through the best approach for your child’s age and needs.

We welcome families at all four of our locations: Richmond Hill, Markham, Stouffville, and Hillcrest.

Contact us today