Onychophagia, or nail biting, is one of the common dangerous habits which is known to affect people of all ages. It is not only ridiculed and embarrassing, but can also severely affect your health. The bacteria residing in the nails are almost toxic. It can affect your oral hygiene. Nail biting, in some cases, also symbolizes stress and it is also a mental disorder. The best way to get rid of this habit is to keep short nails.