Chewing on non-food rubber items, such as pen ends, erasers, or headphone cords, is a common habit. This subjects the mouth to forces and materials it is not designed to handle. Using non-therapeutic objects introduces mechanical wear and chemical exposure that can seriously compromise dental health. This repetitive behavior impacts the integrity of tooth structure, the function of the jaw joint, and overall oral safety. Understanding the specific risks is the first step toward intervention.
How Chewing Rubber Causes Enamel Erosion and Surface Damage
The constant friction created by chewing on rubber or plastic objects leads to a mechanical loss of tooth structure known as dental abrasion. Enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, can be gradually worn down by the repeated rubbing against these foreign materials, which are often harder or more abrasive than food. This process creates shallow, V-shaped or wedge-shaped indentations, particularly near the gum line, where the enamel is naturally thinner.
The continuous stress can also induce micro-fractures in the enamel layer, making the teeth more susceptible to chipping or cracking when biting down unexpectedly hard. Losing this protective outer layer exposes the underlying dentin, a softer tissue that is sensitive to temperature changes, leading to increased tooth sensitivity. Existing dental work, such as composite fillings or porcelain crowns, can also be compromised, as the abrasive action wears down the restoration material or weakens the seal at the margin, risking recurrent decay.
Structural Stress: Impact on Jaw Alignment and Dental Hardware
Habitual, non-functional chewing places excessive strain on the muscles and joints responsible for jaw movement. This repetitive stress can contribute to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to TMD. Symptoms often include chronic pain in the jaw or face, muscle fatigue, and audible clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth.
The body’s jaw muscles are capable of generating hundreds of pounds of pressure, which, when misapplied over time, can slowly shift teeth out of their proper alignment. If chewing is consistently focused on one side, it can lead to uneven muscle development and unbalanced loading of the TMJ, exacerbating the risk of a disorder. For individuals with existing orthodontic appliances, such as braces, retainers, or clear aligners, the habit risks bending wires or cracking the plastic, requiring costly repairs.
Material Safety: Chemical Risks and Foreign Object Hazards
Most non-food rubber items, including office supplies like erasers or pen grips, are manufactured without food-grade safety standards. These products often contain chemical additives, such as plasticizers like phthalates, industrial dyes, or fillers, that are not intended for ingestion. When these materials are chewed on, the chemicals can leach into the saliva and be absorbed into the body over time.
While the long-term effects of low-level exposure are still being researched, some compounds have been linked to potential health concerns. A primary immediate risk is the foreign object hazard presented by the material itself. Small pieces of rubber that break off during chewing can be accidentally swallowed or, in rare cases, inhaled, posing a choking or digestive risk.
Breaking the Habit: Safe Substitutes and Intervention Strategies
Addressing the habit requires substituting the urge to chew with a safe alternative and understanding the underlying cause. For many, the behavior stems from anxiety, stress, or a sensory need for oral input. Safe, therapeutic alternatives, often called “chewelry” or sensory chews, are specifically designed for this purpose. They are made from durable, food-grade silicone that is free from harmful chemicals.
Introducing crunchy or chewy foods, such as carrots, apples, or sugar-free gum, can also satisfy the need for oral stimulation. For persistent habits, a dental professional can assess any existing damage and may recommend a custom-fitted oral appliance to protect the teeth. If the root cause is linked to anxiety or a sensory processing disorder, consulting with a medical doctor or a behavioral therapist can provide strategies to manage the underlying condition.