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I chew rubber bands is this common?
I'm wondering if I have pica and if so is there a specific name for it. Also wondering if this is common. I have been chewing rubber mostly bands for over a decade.
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I've heard of this disorder but never knew the name of it, so thanks. I looked it up, Wikepedia:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
I did not see anything listed there that talks about chewing but not swallowing non edible subjects. Pica is listed as consuming, and that means eating, so it goes into the stomach.
There may be a name and a branch off disorder with a name for chewing items that are not edible.
Well, at least things other than chewing gum or chewing ones fingernails. The concern would be any chemicals used in the making of the rubber which can leach into your bodys system after so much time of chewing on rubber. Yes, even solid objects can leach harmful chemicals into the body. Take the incidences of bisphenil A in all plastics and the side effects which although not that worrying are though crucial to avoid in developing babies thus baby bottles no longer have this ingrediant. [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Since you wonder if it is common, lets put the questions this way, how many people do you know who chew rubber bands? I have known hundreds of people in my life either ones I saw daily like in school or work, church or family or friends, or those whom I see often in a service based business and Tho I have come across plenty people with alternative sexual lifestyles from the more common hetero and monogamous and they are still in the minority yet even so, I've met many. HOw about deaf or blind people, its not every day you run into someone like that and I figure that to be rare too. But I have never known anyone with any kind of pica nor anyone who chewed rubber bands. I'd have to say its extremely rare.
So it you really want more info on your situation, I'd ask your doctor to check out whom you should talk to, a specialist who does study this phenomenon and whether there are any things you need to be aware of. People with pica can be enemic from not getting enough vitamins, minerals and proteins so I'd say its worth checking on. If it is a form of Pica, any such thing lasting over a month according to wiki, is considered a for sure case of Pica...so time wise at least, you'd qualify. Sorry but there are no doctors on here so if you are concerned about it affecting long term health in the future, then talk to your Dr.
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