Question
I recently noticed that a four-year-old child has suddenly started biting their own hand, TV remote, and other items, and they enjoy smearing saliva around. What could be the cause of this behavior? Is it possible that there are worms in their belly? The child has a sweet tooth and loves snacks and has never taken any deworming medication. Thank you for your advice.
Answer
If a four-year-old child exhibits a habit of biting objects, it may be necessary to check for a deficiency in trace elements, particularly zinc. Zinc deficiency could be the cause of this behavior. It is recommended to consume foods rich in zinc, such as seafood and nuts, to improve the situation.