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
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerLouis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics