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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes A Child To Chew On Paper?

I am a teacher, and children frequently chew on paper. I usually tell them to take it out of their mouths and throw it away. Today a boy swallowed a half sheet of paper which also had computer ink. What do I tell them to get them to stop, or should I not worry about it? Is it safe to continue chewing and swallowing paper every day?
Thu, 21 Feb 2019
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

Children go on eating dust, paint, paper and clothing.

It is called pica, seen in iron deficiency and zinc deficiency. Also, low intellectual children or autism etc.

So you have to get to the doctor and examined for hemoglobin status and zinc levels.

He will examine and treat you accordingly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu, Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Causes A Child To Chew On Paper?

Hello, Children go on eating dust, paint, paper and clothing. It is called pica, seen in iron deficiency and zinc deficiency. Also, low intellectual children or autism etc. So you have to get to the doctor and examined for hemoglobin status and zinc levels. He will examine and treat you accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu, Internal Medicine Specialist