Germy Hands in Mouth

kimberley ; first of all the best medicine you can do is do what you said, take them out of his mouth when he has them in it, tell them there are things that go in our mouths, and things that do not, only food goes in your mouth, just keep up in telling him and give him a few reminders on how germs are spread, but dont make him germaphobic, we all eat things we should not when young, and dirt and worms go in there, and frogs,and flies, i know totally gross but none of us died from it, but its stll a good lesson to learn about germs etc, teaching them is the tool, and some kids put things in their mouths as a soothing thing cause some trauma may of occured in their lives, or he is stressed, do what you can to make his home secure snd wonderful as im sure you do, keep up the good work, and stay consistant, consistancy can take you very far, enjoy life D. s

Oral motor stimiulation like chewing is GREAT input to his nervous system, and he may NEED that. Grab a book on sensory integration (Carol Stock Kranowitz has some good ones) and work on a "sensory diet" (not necessarily food, but activities that give him a lot of input) and see if the chewing decreases.

Some people believe chewing is a symptom of a mineral deficiency. Does he get a multi-vitamin? An alternative medicine MD could help you with that.

And epsom salts baths can decrease sensory needs.

I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice.

From a MOM.

Find something else for him to do with his hands if at all possible. I fold origami cranes while watching tv to keep from picking at my cuticles. (The sensory diet thing doesn't sound half bad either.)

My son does this too... it's driving me CRAZY! He's sick after our vacation and I'm sure it's from doing that all day. I originally thought it was teething or something with his mouth, but now I think it's a shy and nervous habit... looking forward to responses, you're not alone!

Usually that is a sign that something is frustratingg him. Talk to his teachers; ask him what is bothering him; watch for the little signs like he does not want to go to school. Enlist the help of the caregivers to reinforce the no mouth rule. They do not like it any more than you do.