Biting

Symptoms

Most infants and young children bite occasionally. Usually a bite is harmless and may not even leave a mark. Infants most often bite in response to new sensations in the mouth, such as may occur when teething. Young children may bite out of frustration because they cannot yet translate their emotions into words.

In rare cases, biting can be a symptom of a behavioral problem that should be evaluated by a doctor.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: April 17, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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