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Have you ever wondered why some children constantly chew on clothing, pencils, or even their hair? In this episode ofAll Things Sensory, we’re diving intooral sensory seeking—what it is, why it happens, and how to support children who experience it.
Children who are sensory seekers often crave oral input to regulate their nervous system. Chewing, sucking, and biting provide proprioceptive input that can be calming, especially for children experiencing stress, anxiety, or fight-or-flight responses.
Oral sensory seeking is more than just a “bad habit”—it’s communication. With the right tools, strategies, and understanding, you can help your child meet their sensory needs safely and successfully.
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If your child is constantly chewing on their shirt, fingers, pencils, or even hair, you’re not alone. These behaviors are incredibly common and often a sign of oral sensory seeking.
In this guide, we’ll explore why children seek oral input, how to understand the root cause, and most importantly, what you can do to support them with practical, occupational therapy-backed strategies.
Oral sensory seeking refers to the need for a child (or adult) to place objects in their mouth to receive sensory input. This can include chewing, sucking, licking, or biting items that are not typically meant for oral use.
While this behavior can be frustrating, it serves a real purpose for the child’s sensory system. Children with oral sensory needs may:
Chew on shirt collars or sleeves.
Bite pencils or erasers.
Suck on their fingers or hair.
Constantly crave gum, straws, or crunchy snacks.
Understanding the "why" behind the behavior is the key to helping your child. Here are several common root causes:
Mouthing objects is typical in babies up to 18–24 months. If this stage is skipped or underdeveloped, a child may continue seeking oral input later in life to make up for missed sensory experiences.
Oral input provides proprioceptive feedback to the jaw and facial muscles, which helps regulate the nervous system. Children may chew to feel calm, focused, or safe.
Chewing or sucking may help manage anxiety, boredom, or stress. It's a form of self-soothing, much like thumb-sucking or nail-biting.
In some cases, children may be chewing or clenching as a way to open their airway. If you're seeing excessive teeth grinding, mouth breathing, or drooling, consult your pediatrician or dentist.
If your child is attempting to eat non-food items like rocks, dirt, or bark, this could signal a condition called PICA, often linked to iron deficiencies. Speak with your doctor to rule this out.
Here’s the good news: there are many positive, proactive strategies that can reduce or replace oral seeking behaviors.
Activities that work the muscles and joints can reduce oral cravings by providing similar sensory input.
Try:
Animal walks (bear crawl, crab walk).
Carrying a heavy backpack.
Full-body vibration.
Deep pressure input (massage, weighted blanket).
Rather than waiting for the chewing to happen, be proactive. Provide regular sensory "snacks" throughout the day—especially before school, mealtimes, or transitions.
Examples:
Obstacle course before school.
Bubble blowing or straw activities after lunch.
Heavy work before homework.
Give your child appropriate ways to meet their oral sensory needs.
Some options include:
Drinking thick smoothies through a straw.
Blowing bubbles or cotton balls.
Chewing crunchy foods (carrots, apples, pretzels).
Frozen treats (ice, popsicles).
Sucking sour candy spray (stimulates oral awareness).
Tools can be powerful when introduced correctly. Some options:
Chew necklaces or chewable pencil toppers.
Z-Vibe or vibrating tools from Arc Therapeutic.
Gum (if age-appropriate).
Always explain the purpose of the tool. It’s not a toy—it’s a tool to help them feel calm and focused.
When your child is old enough, have a conversation about their oral behaviors. Explain what’s happening, why it might impact social relationships, and what they can do instead.
Instead of saying: “Stop chewing your shirt.” Try saying: “It looks like you need something to chew. Here’s your chew necklace.”
Empower them with awareness and give them options.
If chewing is an issue at school, speak with your child’s teacher. Share tools and strategies that work at home and ask for consistency.
Many schools allow chew tools or sensory breaks when explained properly.
Offer fidget toys.
Increase stress management tools (deep pressure, oral tools).
Try nail polish, sour spray, or crunchy snacks.
Identify triggers: boredom? anxiety?
Offer replacements (gum, chew tools, straws).
Use a social story or visual schedule if needed.
For a 4-year-old sensory seeker obsessed with flushing the toilet and toilet water:
Increase tactile play (water tables, messy play).
Use a visual routine for toileting.
Provide structured water play in the daily schedule.
Increase heavy work before and after potty attempts.
Consistency and repetition are key.
If your child is:
Mouthing dangerous or non-food items.
Gagging or choking frequently.
Showing extreme emotional distress without oral input.
Avoiding food textures.
…it may be time to consult an occupational therapist or feeding specialist.
Oral sensory seeking is common and manageable. With the right tools, routines, and mindset, your child can learn to meet their needs in safer, more appropriate ways.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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