Craving to chew is from lack of iron. Dramatically increase beef in diet.
Yes, agree. This is often a sign of anxiety or sensory issues (which my son has). He chews and ***** in order to self soothe. My son goes for the sleeves more though. What they do in school is to offer a chewer a coffee stirrer or cut straw. Another thing you can do is go to a sensory site on the internet (therapyshop is one but there are many) and look at what they have that you can offer as an alternative. They make these little rubber T's or P's that a child can chomp down on and get that oral calming affect. They make something that fits on the back of a pencil for a school setting. They have rubber tubing that can be cut and worn around the neck or wrist. You could string some beads and he could wear those to chew/suck on.
But is important to look at when he does it and why. Boredom (watching tv) or when he is nervous? Look to the why's in this situation because you will want to get to the underlying problem. good luck
He might be using this as a calming mechanism. Google sensory integration disorder and see if he has that.
My son started doing the same thing. I had to talk with him about it with him until finally he stopped.
How old is he? Do his teeth hurt? I've heard of letting the child suck on a wet washcloth instead.
Is he doing it during school?