What is Chewelry?
Chewelry, also known as chewable jewelry, is a type of accessory that allows people to stop destructive chewing and to chew discreetly in order to cope with anxiety and stress. Most chewelry is in the form of pendants or beaded necklaces, but pencil toppers, bracelets and zipper pulls are also available. Munchables are made of silicone, which is a safe material free of BPA and other additives. There are also plastic and fabric styles available.
Who Needs Chewable Jewelry?
Chewelry can be of particular use to children, adults on the autism spectrum, and those with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. Some people who struggle with certain types of obsessive-compulsive disorders such as compulsive hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting may also benefit from wearing such jewelry.
Chewelry can be used as an effective stress reliever and calming tool for those who have difficulty managing their emotions or need to distract themselves from stressful situations. Additionally, chews can help those struggling with hyperactivity and impulsivity by providing a calming activity that encourages focus and concentration. Many teachers encourage the use of chewy necklaces as they reduce fidgeting behavior and promotes attention and focus.
Chewing is a type of stimming. It is basically the mouth version of fidgeting, and neurodiverse people often chew for similar reasons. These people chew because they are coping with stress, anxiety, boredom, or because they're on sensory overload with their other senses.
Children and adults with neurodivergent needs to chew can continue into adulthood. To support a chewer is an important aspect of supporting autistic people and affirming their neurological diversity.
Why is Chewelry Good for Anxiety?
Chewing has long been known to help reduce anxiety and stress for over 30 years. Back in 1992, a study was released in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy stating that "There is a great deal of research that supports clinical observations that having something in one’s mouth to chew or suck on can provide a calming, organizing, and focusing response."
More recently, in 2019, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, said specifically of Munchables that they should be used for their ability to “to provide potential regulating effects for the sensory system - reducing fidgeting and promoting attention and focus.”
Chewing provides a physical outlet for pent up energy and encourages focus by occupying the hands and mouth. This can lead to an overall reduction of anxiety and an improvement in concentration. In addition, the physical sensation of biting and chewing on the jewelry can act as a tactile stimulator and provide a calming effect.
Chewelry is a great tool for managing stress and anxiety. It’s an effective way to replace destructive habits with healthy ones and provides a tactile stimulation which can help relax and focus the mind. Chewelry can also be a great way for adults to receive proprioceptive input to the mouth.
Whether you’re an adult looking for a discreet way to manage anxiety in public settings or a child looking for a safe alternative to nail-biting, chewelry may be the perfect accessory for you! Our top child-friendly styles include cats and dragons for kids; while adults love the Tree of Life and Rectangle sensory chew necklaces.
Please note that chewy necklaces are sometimes called sensory necklaces, chewable necklaces, biting necklaces, chew toys for adhd, fidget necklaces for adults, chewing fidgets, mouth fidgets among others.
