Topic Overview
It is normal for infants and young children to occasionally bite. But sometimes biting points to a more serious behavioral problem related
to hostility and aggression. A child should be evaluated by a doctor if biting:
- Is frequent and continues despite caregiver
efforts to control it.
- Occurs after 3 years of
age.
- Occurs in a variety of settings.
- Injures other
people.
- Occurs out of general anger and/or aggression rather than
out of frustration or desire for an object.
- Occurs with other
aggressive behaviors, such as hurting animals.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
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| Last Revised | March 21, 2012 |
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