Is this normal? Two and a half year old eating dirt

amother

Tue, May 23 2023, 9:40 pm

Whatever dd can find, dirt, mulch from plants outside, little rubber toys that she pulls to pieces with her teeth and slowly eats it.
She also bites her clothing sometimes, wants to touch and pet anything that is satisfying to the touch. Her fingers are always in her mouth. She is always biting on teddy bears, blankets.
Could she still be teething? If this is sensory related, what do I do?

amother

Bisque

Tue, May 23 2023, 9:43 pm

It’s usually a mineral deficiency.

Their body craves the dirt for the minerals in it

amother

Lightblue

Tue, May 23 2023, 9:46 pm

In addition to mineral deficiencies (most commonly iron and zinc) Check for tongue ties, narrow palate, jaw and bite issues, and strep and parasites.

amother

Tue, May 23 2023, 9:51 pm

amother Lightblue wrote:

In addition to mineral deficiencies (most commonly iron and zinc) Check for tongue ties, narrow palate, jaw and bite issues, and strep and parasites.

What could jaw and bite issues be? And what could be done?

amother

Lightblue

Tue, May 23 2023, 9:53 pm

amother OP wrote:

What could jaw and bite issues be? And what could be done?

Jaw and bite issues could be a cause of mouthing behavior. An airway informed orthodontist could help address this.

amother

Tue, May 23 2023, 9:54 pm

amother Lightblue wrote:

Jaw and bite issues could be a cause of mouthing behavior. An airway informed orthodontist could help address this.

Have a regular dentist appointment in a few weeks, guess we'll start there

amother

Tue, May 23 2023, 9:54 pm

amother Amber wrote:

Check iron levels, this is known as pica

I really should. Thanks for the suggestion!

amother

Tue, May 23 2023, 9:56 pm

I see her eat crayons when she gets the chance, too. Isn't that typical behavior for a toddler her age? Hard to know sometimes if it's normal or not.

amother

Emerald

Tue, May 23 2023, 10:03 pm

Sounds like Geophagia Pica.
I would recommend consulting your pediatrician.

rubyred

Tue, May 23 2023, 10:05 pm

amother OP wrote:

May be from iron deficiency. Supplement her and see if it goes away.

amother

Iris

Tue, May 23 2023, 10:12 pm

rubyred wrote:

May be from iron deficiency. Supplement her and see if it goes away.

Do a blood test first.

amother

Ebony

Tue, May 23 2023, 10:14 pm

It's not typical behavior sounds like pica https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pica.html

amother

Olive

Tue, May 23 2023, 10:15 pm

Don't supplement iron without talking to a pediatrician and getting labs done. Too much can cause toxicity and lead poisoning symptoms.

This sounds like Pica or a deficiency- talk to pediatrician asap!

amother

Tue, May 23 2023, 10:16 pm

Does Pica go away once you give iron (of course with Dr's guidance!)?

amother

Iris

Tue, May 23 2023, 10:18 pm

amother Olive wrote:

Its textbook Pica. Pica is defined by what OP is describing by what 2.5 year old is doing.

becky2345

Tue, May 23 2023, 10:50 pm

I would speak to a pediatrician first and do blood work

amother

Emerald

Tue, May 23 2023, 11:04 pm

FYI for everyone saying iron, iron deficiency anemia is typically associated with eating ice.

Do not supplement without speaking to a health care professional first.

socialbutterfly

Tue, May 23 2023, 11:08 pm

amother Emerald wrote:

FYI for everyone saying iron, iron deficiency anemia is typically associated with eating ice.

Do not supplement without speaking to a health care professional first.

Usually eating ice, dirt, and/or clay are signs of an iron deficiency-- sounds like it could be the issue here.