A 21-year-old member asked:
How i prevent bacterial infections caused by my child in putting his dirty fingers in his mouth?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Normal kid behavior: Kids often put their fingers into their mouths. That is normal behavior for children. The best that parents can do is to keep the children's environment fairly clean, and avoid places with obvious disease risks. A parent cannot constantly follow a child around and watch the child's hands, but giving the child gentle instructions every now and then is fine to do.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Anthony LaBarberaanswered
Pediatrics 30 years experience
See below: Talk with him about good hygiene practices. And demonstrate good hygiene products.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Cheryl Coldwateranswered
Pediatrics 40 years experience
Wash hands often: Teach your child to wash his hands frequently. Every time after going to the bathroom, before eating, after playing outside or with a pet, whenever they appear dirty. Encourage him not to put the fingers in his mouth. Most children do this subconsciously, so mild distraction may help rather than directly telling him not to.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 9, 2013
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
