Auricular acupressure reduced anxiety and improved nail biting and gum health when added to habit reversal treatment in children.
In a randomized crossover pilot trial, children with nail biting received habit reversal treatment combined with either anxiety-targeted ear acupressure or placebo ear acupressure. After a washout period, participants switched to the alternative approach. Researchers assessed self-reported anxiety, fingernail growth as an indicator of reduced biting, dental plaque, and gum inflammation.
Children receiving anxiety-targeted ear acupressure alongside habit reversal treatment showed lower anxiety, better nail growth, and reduced gum inflammation than when they received placebo acupressure. These findings suggest that addressing anxiety may strengthen behavioural treatment for nail biting and may also improve related oral health outcomes.
