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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is My 7 Year Old Son Always Chewing Clothes, Toys And Fingers?

My 7 year old son is always chewing on something: clothes, toys, pencil eraser or his fingers if he has nothing else. His clothes are soaked around the neck from chewing on them and I am afraid he is going to get sick from putting everything in his mouth or licking itl Did he miss an area of development? Is there anything we can do to stop it?
Tue, 27 Feb 2018
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Pediatrician 's  Response
Hello. I just read through your question.
Don't worry, you did not miss an area of development. This is common and is often a self soothing behavior. You have to keep reminding him to stop and explain to him why this is not healthy (risk of infection, etc...) He will get the message eventually but you will have to be persistent.
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Why Is My 7 Year Old Son Always Chewing Clothes, Toys And Fingers?

Hello. I just read through your question. Don t worry, you did not miss an area of development. This is common and is often a self soothing behavior. You have to keep reminding him to stop and explain to him why this is not healthy (risk of infection, etc...) He will get the message eventually but you will have to be persistent.