Four-year-old constantly chewing clothes

[Hygellig]

My four-year-old has just started Reception and keeps chewing his clothes. He came out of school today with his t-shirt absolutely sodden - he had actually managed to chew a small hole in it. He chews his tie as well if he doesn't have his jumper on. When asked why he does it, he says he likes to have something in his mouth.

I wondered if it could be nerves about starting school, but he does it at home as well. He chews his clothes, blankets and dressing gown.

Any tips would be gratefully received.

My son does this, will be had just recently stopped. I found that vitamins (magnesium, zinc and fish oils) helped. But the main thing that really worked was a chewigem necklace.chewigem.co.uk/dad-tags-commander.html. HTH.

Thanks for the tip about the necklace - that might be worth a try. I think he would like putting that in his mouth!
His diet could be better as he's a fussy eater (also has a vitamin pill every day).

Mine go through phases of doing this even at age 8. I put it down to teething and adult teeth coming through.

My son with SEN does this, it's worse when he is anxious. He uses a chewy toy on a necklace to save him ruining his clothes.

I agree with Queen of Cardigans -I think there is a direct correlation between adult teeth coming through & chewing. It's also a focus/comfort thing.

He seems to have two adult teeth just starting to come through at the top, so possibly that's a cause. I have ordered a Chewigem necklace today so will see if that helps.