Chewing for comfort is a common coping mechanism for managing stress and anxiety. The act of oral sensory input provides a deep pressure signal to the jaw and mouth, registered by the proprioceptive system. Engaging this system through rhythmic chewing has a calming and organizing effect on the nervous system. This repetitive motion helps ground an individual, shifting focus away from anxious thoughts. Studies suggest that continuous jaw muscle contraction can also help regulate the body’s stress response, potentially blunting the production of cortisol.
Consumable Items for Oral Sensory Input
Edible items offer immediate oral sensory input, providing temporary relief through texture, temperature, and flavor. Chewing gum is a widely available option, delivering consistent proprioceptive input to the jaw muscles. Hard candies and lozenges encourage sucking and dissolving, offering a gentler way to redirect focus.
Crunchy foods satisfy the need for a forceful bite and provide an auditory component that helps center attention. Examples include pretzels, carrots, apples, or ice chips. Chewy foods, such as dried fruit, beef jerky, or taffy, require more resistance from the jaw, engaging the muscles for a longer duration and aiding in self-regulation.
Intense flavors, particularly sour ones, are highly effective for sensory redirection during acute anxiety. The sharp tang of a sour candy or lemon slice creates a strong physical sensation that demands the brain’s full attention. This immediate sensory shock interrupts the cycle of rumination, providing a momentary cognitive reset and acting as a grounding tool.
Dedicated Reusable Sensory Tools
For a specialized and sustainable solution, dedicated oral motor tools, often called “chewelry,” are manufactured for repetitive chewing. These non-edible items come in various forms, including pendants, bracelets, pencil toppers, and handheld sticks. Unlike consumables, these tools are designed to withstand aggressive or prolonged chewing.
The construction material is typically medical-grade silicone or specialized, non-toxic thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). These materials are engineered for safe, prolonged contact with the mouth and meet stringent safety standards. Tools are often available in three distinct firmness levels—soft, medium (XT), and firm (XXT)—to match the individual’s chewing intensity.
Firmness Levels
The softest options are pliable and offer a gentle feel, suitable for mild chewers or those who prefer to mouth or suck on objects.
The medium-firm tools offer greater resistance and durability for moderate chewers who might damage softer alternatives.
The extra-firm versions are rigid and provide the maximum proprioceptive feedback to the jaw, necessary for avid chewers or those seeking intense pressure. Many designs also feature textures, such as bumps or ridges, to provide additional tactile input.
Safety, Hygiene, and Seeking Professional Support
When choosing a dedicated chew tool, select products certified to be free from harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, phthalates, and latex. Reusable tools must be inspected regularly for signs of wear, such as cracks, tears, or missing pieces, as these pose a choking hazard. Any damaged tool should be replaced immediately.
Maintaining hygiene is necessary since the tool is constantly in the mouth. Items should be cleaned daily with warm water and mild soap, or run through a dishwasher if the material allows, to prevent bacterial buildup.
While chewing is generally helpful, it can sometimes become destructive. Warning signs of excessive pressure causing dental or jaw strain include persistent jaw pain, frequent headaches, clicking or popping sounds in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or tooth sensitivity.
If these symptoms occur, or if anxiety is not sufficiently managed by chewing, professional support is warranted. Consulting with a dentist, therapist, or occupational therapist can help address oral health issues or provide comprehensive strategies for anxiety management.