Why do I keep chewing things and how do I stop?
826796
Usually when people chew on things it's because they are nervous or stressed out. The way to stop is to just be aware that you are doing it and tell yourself no. Just put the thing down. It might be hard but hey, it only takes 21 days to totally stop a habit.
196508
Lots of people swear by lots of things...the patch, hypnotism, etc.  I think cutting back is good, because your aren't obligating yourself to quit completely and immediately.  Things like lollipops can preoccupy you from smoking and help the "hand-to-mouth" addiction, I also recommend picking up mint toothpicks (little travel packs are available at health foods stores.)  Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor, either...he/she will probably be able to give you lots of excellent advice.  GOOD LUCK!
1037897
either don't eat them or dont stop eating them\n\n\nidiot question
180191
A lot of times it's stress.  If you're awake and doing it, make an effort to stop.  If you're doing it in your sleep then see your dentist and have him or her make you a mouth guard to sleep in.
1151402
i have the exact same problem and i chew alot of gum to try to help me to stop; maybe itll work for you
904338
There is something you can buy to stop you biting your nails, it is a bit like nail varnish but not quite, it tastes absolutely disgusting so you stop biting. As for picking scabs, will power. Say something like, right if i don't pick them for a week i'll buy something like a CD or something like that. incentives usually do the trick.
1050535
how do you knwo thier chewing it...what if their chewing on thier toungue and they already swallowed it..lol\n\nor maybe BECAUSE I WANT TO! LOL
596736
ok,i have pica,so ive been told,i eat paper,an i was the kid chewing on the draw string of my jams at 15,it is a nerve condition,maybe connected to a mental illness,i have dysthymia,an anxiety,you need to check with a pro,befor you harm yourself
1131093
Why is the food in front of you?  Step away from the kitchen!\n\nFind other ways to occupy your time- especially ways that get you out of the house!  When you're busy swimming lengths, attending lectures, riding your bicycle, learning a language or speed dating you won't have time to stuff your face!\n\nInside the house, keep food out of sight and out of mind!  If you have a craving, first go to the kitchen and drink a glass of water.  Usually the craving will disappear before you're finished drinking.  Invest in a few boxes of Ziplock bags and divide boxes of cookies and bags of chips into individual portions (as soon as you get home from the store) so you don't end up eating the whole box.  Keep soda pop in cans in your closet, so if you're tempted to drink one you have to first put it in the fridge and wait for it to cool down.  I guarantee you'll forget about it before it gets cold!\n\nSomeone suggested sugar-free gum- THIS IS THE WORST IDEA EVER!  Chewing gum activates your salivary glands, causing your mouth to produce saliva.  This is your body's way of preparing to break down food (aka EAT), so it will just make you crave food even more.  Gum = weight gain!
34559
You need to divert your attention.  Start thinking of food as a tool to maintain life rather than something fun to do.  If you can put some restrictions on yourself it will help.  \nFrom now on, each time you want something that isn't healthy or a part of a meal tell yourself you are only allowed to have it if you first walk around the block.  That way it will take your mind off of it.  If you still want it after the walk go ahead and eat it.  Or if you want an even harder fix, figure out how many calories are in the item, then figure out how long you would have to walk or run to burn the calories.  You can then force yourself to do that much exercise before eating the item.  \n\nI know it's hard, but eventually you'll get to a point where it's just not worth it to you to eat the item.  Also, allow yourself a cheat here or there.  Total deprivation never works.
512088
If all the above fails, Try not eating full stop. Oh but watch out for drinking as water may be contaminated!
674338
How can u stop eating? tell me ur secret please...
415108
you have to stop feeding then fruit.\n\nThat's what I did and it worked
198130
I have done it before...I don't think there is anything that you can do besides trying not to bite them.  I go through spurts where I grow my nails long..they grow to a certain point then start breaking so I wind up either cutting them off or biting them...then for some reason I'll start biting them again..then I'll stop so on and so forth..I don't know why I do this I must be nuts..anyways..if you want to stop biting your nails they have this stuff that's bitter that you can apply to your nails and when you go to bite you'll get that yucky taste in your mouth. It might help.  I know biting them down that far really hurts.  Sorry I couldn't be of more help...
577736
try swallowing your saliva more often instead of letting it build up in your mouth causing you to spit when you talk.\n             GULP
1175755
Whatever it is, you are best off seeing a physician vs. asking on Yahoo Answers. Sounds like some type of respiratory irritation or infection that you feel when your food rubs against it (thus if you eat slow, and the food is more finely chewed, it doesn't irritate). Again, this could be something much more serious - if it is an infection it can spread + kill you.
153102
There is a mental disorder that causes this but the name is escaping me at the moment. If you are asking because you know someone who does this get help! This can be treated but swallowing non edible objects can kill kids. Get help fast ok!