Guide
Chew tools guide
Why kids chew, which chew tool shape and firmness to pick, how to use it and how to keep it clean and safe. Free printable guide in English and Spanish.
Free from Oaklin Lane’s therapists. Nothing here is a diagnosis, and if something feels off, that’s enough to ask.
Many kids chew on shirts, pencils, fingers or toys. Others grind their teeth or bite their nails. Firm chewing gives the jaw deep pressure, and that pressure calms the body. A chew tool gives your child a safe thing to chew instead. It also builds strength in the jaw, cheeks and tongue for biting and chewing.
Chewing can help kids who
- Feel stressed or worried
- Have a hard time focusing
- Chew on clothes, pencils or toys
- Grind their teeth or bite their nails
- Crave lots of mouth input
- Are learning to bite and chew
Types of chew tools
Pick the shape that fits
P-shaped chew tube: a loop to hold, with a long end that reaches the back teeth. Some have bumps for extra texture.
T-shaped chew tube: rests on the side of the mouth, between the back teeth, to practice biting.
Chew stick: shaped like a pencil, for kids who chew pencils or toothbrushes.
Vibrating oral tool: a handle with soft tips that buzz gently. It wakes up the mouth for kids who dislike touch in the mouth. Use it as your therapist shows you.
Pick the right firmness
- Soft: Gentle chewers and kids who are just starting
- Medium: Kids who chew often or with some force
- Firm: Strong chewers who bite through softer tools
Choose by how hard your child bites. If your child tears a tool quickly, move up to a firmer one. Your therapist can help you choose.
How to use it
Chew while you work
Offer the chew tool when your child needs to focus or calm down, like during homework, reading or car rides.
- Show your child where to chew. Place the tool between the back teeth, where chewing is strongest.
- Offer it at the right times, like homework, reading, car rides or when your child starts chewing on a shirt.
- Swap, don't scold. If your child chews a sleeve or pencil, calmly hand over the chew tool instead.
- Keep it clean and handy. Store it in a clean case so it is ready when your child needs it.
Cleaning and care
- Wash it in warm, soapy water after each use, then rinse and let it air dry.
- Check it before each use for cracks, tears, deep bite marks or loose pieces.
- Throw it away and get a new one at the first sign of wear.
Safety
- Always stay with your child while they use a chew tool.
- Never hang a chew tool on a necklace or cord around the neck. Cords can strangle.
- Use only tools made for chewing, in the right size for your child.
- Stop if your child has pain in the jaw or teeth.
Always follow the plan your Oaklin Lane therapist made for your child.
Questions families ask
Why does my child chew on shirts and pencils?
Firm chewing gives the jaw deep pressure, and that pressure calms the body. A chew tool gives your child a safe thing to chew instead, and it builds strength for biting and chewing too.
How firm should the chew tool be?
Choose by how hard your child bites. Soft is for gentle chewers, medium for kids who chew often, and firm for strong chewers. If your child tears a tool quickly, move up to a firmer one.
