Chewelry is a popular category of sensory tools, typically crafted from medical-grade silicone or specialized thermoplastic elastomers, designed to be safely chewed. These items are commonly used by both children and adults as a method for self-regulation, providing a healthy sensory outlet for those who feel the urge to chew on non-food items like pencils, clothing, or fingernails. This oral stimulation can effectively help individuals manage stress, anxiety, or sensory processing differences by providing a discreet way to focus and calm the nervous system. However, introducing a constant chewing habit naturally raises questions about its potential impact on dental health.
Dental Impact of Repetitive Chewing
The primary concern with any form of repetitive chewing is the potential for accelerated wear on the teeth’s surface. Enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, is designed to withstand the forces of eating, but constant friction against a material, especially a hard or textured one, can lead to abrasion over time. Sustained, intense chewing can contribute to the gradual thinning of enamel in the contact areas. This risk increases significantly if the user also exhibits a grinding motion while chewing on the device.
Constant mechanical pressure from chewing can also threaten the integrity of existing dental work. Dental restorations like fillings, crowns, and veneers are engineered to endure normal biting forces during meals. However, sustained pressure from chewing on a foreign object for extended periods can weaken the margins of these restorations. Over time, this can lead to fractured fillings or dislodged crowns, necessitating repairs.
The jaw joints and surrounding musculature are also susceptible to strain from excessive chewing habits. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, and overworking the masseter and temporalis muscles can lead to fatigue and discomfort. If chewelry is consistently used only on one side of the mouth, it can create an asymmetrical load on the joint, potentially contributing to muscle imbalances or symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Furthermore, prolonged, uneven pressure can theoretically influence the alignment of the teeth.
Material Science and Design Safety
The safety of chewelry is determined less by the act of chewing and more by the physical properties of the material itself. A critical factor is the material’s hardness, which is measured on the Shore A Durometer scale. Materials that are excessively hard, like rigid plastic, pose a greater risk of causing microfractures or excessive wear on tooth enamel compared to softer, medical-grade silicone options. Reputable manufacturers offer a range of hardness levels, allowing the user to select the least abrasive option that still meets their sensory needs.
The texture and shape of the chewable device play a direct role in how the force is distributed across the teeth. Smooth, rounded designs distribute pressure more evenly, minimizing localized friction on any single point of the tooth. Textured surfaces, while providing enhanced sensory input, may accelerate localized abrasion if chewed aggressively. Designs that are long and slender encourage chewing with the back molars, while flatter shapes are often used for front-tooth biting.
Beyond hardness, material composition is paramount to user safety and dental health. High-quality chewelry should be made from non-toxic, food-grade materials that are free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and lead. Regular inspection is necessary because even the most durable materials will degrade with use. When the item shows signs of cracking, pitting, or crumbling, it must be discarded immediately to prevent the risk of small pieces breaking off, which could lead to a choking hazard or ingestion.
Safe Usage and Dental Check-ins
Maintaining strict hygiene is a fundamental requirement for the safe use of any item placed in the mouth. Chewelry can harbor bacteria and grime, necessitating regular cleaning with warm water and mild dish soap after daily use. Many silicone devices are safe for the top rack of a dishwasher or can be sanitized periodically by boiling for a few minutes. This ensures the removal of accumulated bacteria.
Users should establish a habit of inspecting their chewelry before each use, checking for any signs of physical deterioration. Look for tears, deep indentations, or areas where the material has become noticeably thinner or compromised. These signs indicate that the item has reached the end of its lifespan and must be replaced to prevent an unexpected fracture during chewing. The typical lifespan ranges from a few months to over a year, depending on the user’s chewing intensity.
Involving a dentist in the use of chewelry is a proactive step toward maintaining long-term oral health. Users should inform their dentist or orthodontist about the habit during routine check-ups. The dental professional can specifically monitor for signs of uneven wear, changes in bite alignment, or stress fractures around dental restorations. Chewelry should ideally be used intermittently rather than as a constant object of chewing, allowing the jaw muscles and teeth periodic rest.