The object is to keep your nails in your mouth without actually causing them to break or split. Nibbling or sucking your fingernails may provide you with the oral sensation of nail biting without the actual biting.

Other techniques include carrying a nail file with you everywhere you go. Everywhere! When the urge to nibble comes upon you, pull out the nail file instead. If you find yourself filing your nails down to the nub, add a nail buffer instead and buff when you have the urge to bite. This gives you another behavior to substitute for the biting, and the look of your well-smoothed nails gives you motivation to keep your fingers away from your teeth.