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Here are some of the most common bad habits which most of us are accustomed to. Nail biting, which probably started since our childhood days may very well carry right on into adulthood.
Nails are there for a reason; they protect your fingers from the elements. They also help you scratch that itch and facilitate picking up small objects. You know that they're useful; you've used them for all sorts of things. So why do you insist on biting them off? What you're ultimately doing is destroying your digital defense, and inviting germs to enter your bloodstream and wreak havoc on you.

Common tricks to kick this habit involve applying foul-tasting invisible polish on your fingernails or simply wearing gloves. Use a nail clipper to keep them short so that they'll be less alluring to your teeth. You can also keep your hands busy by doodling whenever you're tempted to gnaw, and generally keep them away from your oral cavity. Feel like biting them while you're stuck in traffic? Try tapping your steering wheel to the music.

Another irritating habit is thumbsucking. Believe it or not, this is not a habit that only plagues young children. Many adults suck their thumbs or other fingers. They do it out of habit or comfort, and at first it may seem quite inoffensive, even sexy when women do it. But beware of the microbes. Also, thumbsuckers may develop dental problems such as the deformity of their top teeth.

If such is the case, you may want to consider acquiring oral devices that act as a reminder. Some devices feature spikes that hurt invading digits or trap them in a cage. Unpleasant substances can also be applied to the thumb. Again, keep your hands busy to avoid being relegated to shoving your thumb into your mouth.

Grinding teeth syndrome, also known as Bruxism, is a bad habit, not a medical condition. Bruxism is mostly done subconsciously and at night. It causes the jaw to become sore and the teeth to become worn and sensitive. In some cases, it even leads to headaches. A dentist can prescribe a gum shield that guards your teeth against mistreatment. During the day, chew gum to give your jaw another hobby.