4 Yr. Old Biting Inside of Mouth?

Updated on June 12, 2009
T.E. asks from Bernville, PA
5 answers

Hello Ladies,
My otherwise very healthy 4 1/2 year old daughter has a strong tendency to "chew" the inside of her lip and cheek. She does it almost all the time and causes her to bleed and then she gets horrible sores in her mouth. It took us a long time to figure out the source of the sores, and now that we know what it is, we can't get her to stop. It might be important to note that she is also a thumb sucker and she also bites her finger nails and picks her toe nails. Sometimes she will pick them until they bleed too. When we tell her to stop she says that she "can't stop". We've told her that we would never let anyone hurt her and that she is not allowed to hurt herself and other various tactics, all to no avail.
Like I said she is very "normal" and seems to have meet all of her developemental milestones at very early ages. She is a very smart, ambitious, athletic, well spoken, well mannered and a great eater. So I see no other symptoms of any common diagnosises, but I'm starting to fear that there is definately an underlying issue. Please any advice or experience with this type of behavior would be appreciated.
Thank you.
T.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

I agree with Nina K. to try not to worry too much - it seems that from your description that these may be tension outlets or coping mechanisms that she has developed, in order to deal with stress or anxiety. I'm an MH professional & my dentist called me out on cheek biting as a kid. I still find myself biting the inside of my cheek without even realizing it on anxious occasions or when I am deep in thought. Sometimes kids who are on the "above-average" side can be prone to anxiety issues, and the resulting outlets. If she is doing this intending to cause pain, well, you might want to talk with her pediatrician, but I'd hesitate to start diagnosing anything - even though it is tempting. Keep an eye on it and if it still is a worry think about mentioning to her pediatrician at her next visit.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

It sounds like it could be OCD. Get her to a good CHILD psycologist (sp?). My brother & sister both went for this as kids & are now living very happy lives. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

I don't have good way to change her behavor but my son first picked his nose until it bleed on he is picking his lip. It is a habit. I just remind him everytime I see him do it and it is a little better. They do it when the are boring or stress. You might want to try a rubber band on her wrist to pull. I'm looking forward to see wht others say,

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

I did this as a child and still do at times when I am bored. I also picked at my nails and bit my fingers. As a child I did this due to being stressed out. I'm not saying that your child is stressed that may be something to consider. Talk to her ped also not to scare you, you may want to consider a good child psychiatrist, I have bi polar disorder and had symptoms as a child my parents ignored. Not to scare you I'm just saying this is something you shouldn't ignore.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

It's a compulsion/habit. For some people, these compulsions are related to a disorder, and for others, they may be simply bad habits. Get some advice from a child psychiatrist with experience dealing with OCD-type disorders. It really doesn't sound too serious, but I know you want to help her. Sometimes these compulsions just come and go throughout life--you do them when you "need" to, and stop when you don't. If this all she's doing, get some help, but don't freak out. Good luck!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches