Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3118541 | American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | 2008 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
Onychophagia, or nailbiting, is a common oral habit, observed in both children and adults. The etiologies suggested for nailbiting include anxiety, stress, loneliness, imitation of other family member, heredity, inactivity, transference from a thumb-sucking habit, and poorly manicured nails. Treatment should be directed at the causes; punishment, ridicule, nagging and threats, and application of bitter-tasting commercial preparations on the nail are a variety of reminders, but are not appropriate approaches to treatment. The key to success is the nailbiter's consent and cooperation.
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Authors
Orlando Motohiro Tanaka, Robert Willer Farinazzo Vitral, Giulia Yuriko Tanaka, Ariana Pulido Guerrero, Elisa Souza Camargo,