Chewing on objects is a common behavior in childhood, but when it persists beyond the toddler years, it often signals an underlying need rather than a simple habit. Parents or caregivers observing this pattern—chewing on shirt collars, pencils, or toys—may be concerned about safety and social appropriateness. Understanding the reasons behind this persistent oral seeking is the first step toward finding effective and supportive solutions for the child. This behavior is rarely a choice a child makes to be difficult; instead, it is usually a body-driven strategy for managing the world around them.
When Chewing is Normal Development
Oral exploration is a necessary phase of early development, typically seen between birth and two years of age. Infants and young toddlers naturally use their mouths like a second pair of hands to gather information about an object’s texture, shape, and size. This oral-motor exploration is a standard part of the sensorimotor stage, helping the brain process new environmental input.
The frequency of putting non-food items into the mouth typically decreases significantly after 18 months and is generally uncommon after the age of two. Teething can also cause a temporary increase in chewing as children seek pressure to relieve gum discomfort. When a child past the age of two continues to chew on items like clothing or toys, it suggests the behavior is serving a purpose beyond simple exploration or teething relief.
The Role of Sensory Input Needs
For many older children, persistent chewing is a form of sensory seeking, specifically targeting the proprioceptive system. Proprioception is the body’s awareness of its position and movement, and the jaw offers a powerful source of this deep pressure input. The intense pressure generated by the strong jaw muscles sends organizing signals to the nervous system, which can have a profoundly calming effect.
A child who is under-responsive to sensory input may seek out this oral stimulation to regulate their body and feel more grounded. Chewing helps manage sensory overload, which occurs when the environment provides too much information for the brain to process efficiently. This need for oral input is a physical requirement for sensory regulation, sometimes linked to differences like Sensory Processing Disorder.
Chewing as a Coping or Focus Mechanism
Beyond sensory regulation, chewing often functions as a self-soothing or concentration tool for managing internal emotional and cognitive states. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of chewing can be an effective way for children to deal with stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. Like nail-biting or foot-tapping, chewing acts as a consistent motor plan that helps suppress the body’s negative physiological response to stress.
Chewing can also be a strategy for improving focus, especially in situations that require sustained attention. The background stimulation provided by oral input allows the child to channel excess energy and filter out distracting stimuli. This is particularly helpful for children with attention challenges, as the act of chewing provides just enough sensory input to keep the brain alert and engaged.
Safe and Effective Alternatives for Chewing
Instead of attempting to eliminate the chewing behavior entirely, the goal is to redirect the need toward safe alternatives. Specialized chewable products, often called “chewelry” or sensory chews, are designed to be hygienic and durable, offering a safe source of oral input. These items come in various shapes, textures, and resistance levels, allowing parents to match the alternative to the child’s specific preference.
Food-based alternatives can also provide intense oral sensory input, such as crunchy snacks like raw carrots or apples, or chewy items like dried fruit or sugar-free gum. For children who chew on their clothing, a bandana or a chewable zipper pull can serve as a readily available substitute.
If a child’s chewing is aggressive or significantly impacts their daily life, consulting with a pediatrician or an occupational therapist is advisable. These professionals can help identify the root cause of the oral seeking and develop a comprehensive “sensory diet” that includes other movement-based activities to meet the child’s proprioceptive needs.