4 Yr. Old Biting Inside of Mouth?

I agree with Nina K. to try not to worry too much - it seems that from your description that these may be tension outlets or coping mechanisms that she has developed, in order to deal with stress or anxiety. I'm an MH professional & my dentist called me out on cheek biting as a kid. I still find myself biting the inside of my cheek without even realizing it on anxious occasions or when I am deep in thought. Sometimes kids who are on the "above-average" side can be prone to anxiety issues, and the resulting outlets. If she is doing this intending to cause pain, well, you might want to talk with her pediatrician, but I'd hesitate to start diagnosing anything - even though it is tempting. Keep an eye on it and if it still is a worry think about mentioning to her pediatrician at her next visit.

It sounds like it could be OCD. Get her to a good CHILD psycologist (sp?). My brother & sister both went for this as kids & are now living very happy lives. Good luck.

I don't have good way to change her behavor but my son first picked his nose until it bleed on he is picking his lip. It is a habit. I just remind him everytime I see him do it and it is a little better. They do it when the are boring or stress. You might want to try a rubber band on her wrist to pull. I'm looking forward to see wht others say,

I did this as a child and still do at times when I am bored. I also picked at my nails and bit my fingers. As a child I did this due to being stressed out. I'm not saying that your child is stressed that may be something to consider. Talk to her ped also not to scare you, you may want to consider a good child psychiatrist, I have bi polar disorder and had symptoms as a child my parents ignored. Not to scare you I'm just saying this is something you shouldn't ignore.

It's a compulsion/habit. For some people, these compulsions are related to a disorder, and for others, they may be simply bad habits. Get some advice from a child psychiatrist with experience dealing with OCD-type disorders. It really doesn't sound too serious, but I know you want to help her. Sometimes these compulsions just come and go throughout life--you do them when you "need" to, and stop when you don't. If this all she's doing, get some help, but don't freak out. Good luck!