Why Do Kids Chew?

Shirts, pencils, hands, hair, random objects.. But, WHY? Let’s break it down. Here are a few common reasons your child might turn to chewing and how you can help them cope. The mouth is our first sensory seeking organ from gestation. Babies use their mouths to suck and eventually to blow, lick, eat, chew, kiss and talk. 

STRESS. ​ 

The mouth is a phenomenal stress reducer. With its ability to bite down, exerting hundreds of pounds of pressure, we often see a stressed or anxious individual biting, chewing their clothing, or grinding their teeth to reduce stress. Chewing crunchy foods or a tough chewy can provide an outlet for stress. You can also reduce the emphasis on the mouth with stress reduction strategies such as brushing, touch, deep pressure, movement or heavy work and weight. 

CONCENTRATION.​

Chewing helps us to focus and concentrate. Chewing gum and crunchy foods or even using a whistle toy can help a distracted student focus and be more alert. Consider carrot sticks or celery when packing lunch, or use a chewy toy when doing homework or taking tests. Try blowing bubbles with a stressed toddler. 

SELF-REGULATION​. 

Chewing is one of the most effective ways to self-regulate and support attention to task. Chewing throughout the day can help with calm and focus. It provides proprioceptive input to the jaw which is calming, soothing, organizing and regulating for the brain. Consider using straws, vibration, crunchy snacks and whistles, humming to their favorite tune, or hissing like a snake to help a child-self regulate.

PLEASURE. ​

The truth is we chew, blow, suck, sing and whistle for pleasure. It’s our first motor ability from the time we are born and the mouth provides pleasure as we eat, talk or hum a tune. Who doesn’t love a happy smile? Chewing can strengthen the muscles around the mouth, allowing for a more pleasurable mouthing experience.

Providing a chew toy, crunchy foods, sucking a cold drink through a thick straw, whistling, blowing bubbles, humming a favorite tune, or hissing like a snake are all “calming” strategies you can incorporate during the day into your child’s sensory diet. Questions? We’re always here to help! Just ask!