3 Year old dribbles and chews constantly

[Leeta77]

I have a nearly 3 year old boy who finished teething months ago. He is always dribbling and chewing everything, toy cars, his clothes, his fingers, crayons etc. He is a perfectly normal boy. Very busy, very intelligent. Speaks really well, eats really well. We have tried reminding him to swallow his dribble which he does when we tell him but then he forgets. We have also tried to encourage him not to chew things but once again he continues to do it.

Why is he continuing this behavior and what can I do to stop it? Should I take him to the doctor or dentist to get checked?  

Thanks

[sdennehy]

I have a similar concern to this earlier poster. My son is 4 and a half, does not chew, but dribbles alot, especially when he is focused on something. He is a very normal, happy child but I am concerned about the dribbling especially as he is starting school in the fall. I have consulted his doctor who tells me that he will probably grow out of it - is there anything you recommend to speed this up?
thanks

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The teething process can be quite long and cause the symptoms you are seeing for a time after it appears to the parent to be over. You can spare yourself the effort of reminding your son to swallow. He is three years old, and he will not be able to comply with your instruction. Of course you should consult with his pediatrician, but what you are observing is not unusual for a child his age.