Oral fixations?

babylimas

My chromosomally typical 4 year old is very very oral. She still puts stuff in her mouth, picks her nose (and eats it) constantly, bites her nails, or just stuffs her whole hand in her mouth. Her daycare contacted me because they are having a hard time keeping stuff out of her mouth. I spoke to my son's therapist this morning and she told me that for her SN children she recommends gum, but my daughter is too young for that. She also said to possibly try a necklace made for chewing. Just to find something that is appropriate for her to chew on rather than her boogers, sand, or random rocks on the playground. 

Any other suggestions for ways to fulfill her oral needs? I really have no idea how to deal with this. 

MirandaHobbes

If I had a nickel for every time I've said "get your fingers out of your mouth" to DS.. He is 6 and his oral fixation is still pretty wicked. DS has had gum prescribed to him (in both public and private schools) since he was 3 (old enough to know not to play with it or swallow it). They tried chewies for awhile but they never really caught on for him. As he got older I would rather he chew gum anyway rather than something stigmatizing like a chewie necklace. With age and maturity DS has gotten better about not picking his nose. It's something his teachers reinforced at school, and lots of Magic Schoolbus germ books. That said, he doesn't "get" that chewing on his fingers is similarly disgusting and germ ridden. And he does it so unknowingly, it's almost impossible to stop him from doing it.

There doesn't seem to be any great "quick fixes" out there; our therapists just continue to recommend crunchy/textural food at lunch and breakfast, and periodic "gum" breaks. He uses a Sonic toothbrush too that really gives his mouth a lot of sensory input.

greyt00

DS1 is now constantly putting his shirt in his mouth.  I'm especially annoyed by this because he doesn't want to put any FOOD in his mouth.  Extremely picky eaters should not try to put non-food things in their mouths, that should just be how it is.  Boooooo!  We had talked about getting chewelry but I've been lazy and haven't done it and the last few days he's been better.  

Unknown

This content has been removed.

babylimas

@McRib‌ - I assume you realize from my other posts that this is kate930. I'm talking about Mae. She's such a silly girl. Our doctors have also pointed out that Will has the same oral needs. I guess it just runs in the family! Thanks for the ideas.

Unknown

This content has been removed.