If your child chews on their shirt collar, bites their nails down to nothing, or always has a pencil in their mouth, you are not alone. Many parents and therapists see this every day. This behaviour is common in children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences. It is called oral sensory seeking, and there is a safe, simple way to support it. It is called chew therapy.
In this article, we will explain what chew therapy is, why children chew, and how the right tools can help - in plain, simple language that any parent or therapist can understand.
What Is Chew Therapy?
Chew therapy is a sensory strategy that gives a child a safe object to bite or chew on, instead of unsafe items like clothing, hair, or pencils. It works by giving the mouth the input it is asking for, in a controlled way.
Our mouths are full of nerve endings. For some children, chewing sends a calming, organising signal to the brain. This is why you may notice your child chews more when they are anxious, bored, tired, or overstimulated. The chewing is not "bad behaviour." It is the body's way of asking for help to feel calm and focused.
Why Do Some Children Need to Chew?
Occupational therapists often explain this using the idea of the "sensory diet" - the amount of sensory input a person's nervous system needs each day. Some children need more oral input than others because of how their nervous system processes sensation.
Common reasons a child may chew include:
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Self-regulation – chewing can be calming during stress or overstimulation
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Focus and attention – repetitive chewing can help a distracted mind settle, especially for children with ADHD
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Sensory-seeking – some children have an under-responsive sensory system and seek stronger input, including in the mouth
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Teething or oral-motor development – younger children may chew as their jaw and mouth muscles develop
Understanding why your child chews is the first step. The second step is giving them something safe to do it with.
Why "Just Stopping" the Chewing Doesn't Work
A common instinct is to tell a child to "stop chewing" or to constantly pull objects away from their mouth. But if the chewing is meeting a real sensory need, simply stopping it does not remove the need - it often just moves the behaviour somewhere else, like chewing on a different (and possibly less safe) object.
Therapists usually recommend replacement, not removal. This means offering a safe chew tool that meets the same need, so the child still gets the input their body is asking for, without damaging clothes, toys, or their teeth.
What Makes a Chew Tool Safe?
Not all chewable products are designed for this purpose. When choosing a chew tool for a child, look for:
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Food-grade, BPA-free silicone – safe if chewed regularly and easy to clean
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The right firmness – too soft wears out fast; too hard may not feel satisfying
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A breakaway or safety clasp if it is worn as a necklace, so it releases under pressure
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A design that looks discreet – older children especially may feel self-conscious about a "chew toy," so a piece that looks like jewellery or an accessory helps reduce stigma
This is exactly the thinking behind our Chew & Oral Tools collection at Ableys. Every chewable is made from food-grade, non-toxic silicone, designed with input from parents and paediatric occupational therapists, so children get safe oral sensory support that fits naturally into their day - at school, at home, or during therapy sessions.
Simple Tips for Parents and Therapists
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Offer, don't force. Introduce the chew tool as an option, not a rule.
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Keep it accessible. Attach it to a keyring, necklace, or bag so it is always within reach when needed.
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Watch for patterns. Notice when chewing increases - before exams, during transitions, in loud environments - and offer the tool proactively at those times.
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Replace worn tools. Silicone chew tools wear down with regular use. Replace them when they show cracks or heavy wear.
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Pair with routine. For classroom use, agree with the teacher on how and when the child can use the tool discreetly.
A Simple Change That Makes a Real Difference
Chewing is not something to "fix" - it is something to support. With the right tool, a child who seeks oral input can stay calmer, more focused, and more comfortable throughout the day, without damage to clothes or unsafe habits like chewing on plastic toys or pencils.
If you're looking for a safe place to start, browse our Chew & Oral Tools collection - thoughtfully designed, therapist-informed, and trusted by parents across the UAE.