Sensory Library — Touch and texture
What are safe chewable sensory tools, and when should you use them?
What to look for in a chewable tool, and why one might be offered instead of everyday objects.
Is your kid chewing on things? It might be their way of meeting sensory needs. Here are some tips! · Red Door Pediatric Therapy
Hosted on YouTube. This video is independent of Sensory Access Michigan; linking to it is not an endorsement of the channel’s other content.
If oral sensory seeking (covered in the companion article) means someone is chewing on pencils, sleeves, or other objects not designed for it, purpose-built chewable tools give that same input a safer outlet.
What’s out there
- Chewable jewelry — necklaces and bracelets made from food-grade silicone
- Pencil toppers designed specifically to be chewed
- Textured chew tubes offering different resistance levels for different needs
What to look for
- Food-grade, BPA-free material, clearly labeled as such
- A resistance level that matches what the person actually seeks — some want firm resistance, others prefer something softer
- A size and shape that can’t pose a choking risk, especially for younger children
When to bring in a professional
An occupational therapist who specializes in oral-motor needs can assess exactly what kind of input is being sought and recommend something suited to that specific person, which general shopping advice can’t responsibly do. This is particularly worth pursuing if chewing is intense enough to damage clothing or objects quickly, or if it’s connected to broader feeding difficulties.
Common questions
What should I look for in a chewable tool?
Food-grade, BPA-free material, a resistance level matched to what the person actually seeks, and a size and shape that avoids any choking risk.
Can an occupational therapist help pick the right one?
Yes. An OT who specializes in oral-motor needs can assess what kind of input is being sought and recommend something suited to that specific person.