Chewelry vs. Gum vs. Pencil Toppers: Which Is Right for Your Child?

If you’re reading this, you likely know the struggle: wet shirt collars, chewed-up fingernails, or pencils reduced to splinters.

You know your child needs to chew. It’s not “bad behavior” – it’s often their way of:

• Seeking calming oral sensory input

• Managing anxiety or sensory overload

• Staying focused during class or homework

Once you understand why they chew, the next question is: what should they chew?

Most parents end up choosing between three main options:

• Chewing gum

• Pencil or pen toppers

• Wearable chewelry (chewable jewelry)

Each can help, but they work best in different situations. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each so you can choose what fits your child’s needs.

Why Is My Child Chewing So Much?

Chewing is a common form of self-regulation for kids, teens and even adults—especially those with:

• Autism

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Chewing can help:

• Calm a stressed or overloaded nervous system

• Improve focus and attention

• Provide predictable, organizing sensory input

The goal isn’t to stop chewing entirely, but to redirect it to something safe, durable and appropriate.

1. Chewing Gum: The “Sometimes” Solution

Gum is the classic, quick way to get oral input—especially for older kids and teens.

Pros of gum

• Socially acceptable – Older kids often like gum because it doesn’t stand out.

• Extra sensory input – Strong flavors (like mint) can be grounding for some kids.

• Easy to carry – Toss a pack in a pocket or bag.

Cons of gum

• Often banned at school – Many classrooms have strict “no gum” policies.

• Short-lived – Flavor fades and the texture softens quickly, which may frustrate aggressive chewers.

• Choking & dental concerns – Especially for younger kids, or those who can’t manage it safely.

• Messy – Stuck under desks, on clothes, or in hair… you know the story.

Best for:
Older kids and teens who need occasional, short bursts of chewing at home or in social settings where gum is allowed and can be safely managed.

2. Pencil & Pen Toppers: The “Homework Helper”

Pencil and pen toppers are chewable pieces that sit on the end of writing tools. They’re especially helpful for kids who chew most when they’re working.

Pros of pencil toppers

• Right where you need them – Perfect for writing, tests, and homework time.

• Classroom-friendly – Often blend in as typical school supplies.

• Protects teeth & supplies – Better than chewing wood, metal, or plastic caps.

• Easy to transport – Live in pencil cases, desks, or backpacks.

Cons of pencil toppers

• Limited to writing time – If your child chews during reading, transitions, or TV, they won’t always have their pencil handy.

• Easy to lose – Like erasers, they tend to disappear in desks and bags.

• May not be enough for very strong chewers – You might still need a stronger, wear-resistant option.

Best for:
Kids whose chewing shows up mainly during schoolwork, homework, or desk-based tasks.

If your child mainly chews during writing or homework, take a look at our chewable pencil and pen toppers.

3. Sensory Chewelry: The “All-Day” Solution

Chewelry (also spelled chewlery) is chewable jewelry made from food-grade silicone: chew necklaces, bracelets, zipper pulls and small handheld chews.

Pros of chewelry

• Always accessible – Because it’s worn (necklace, bracelet, zipper pull), it’s available whenever your child needs it.

• Durable & safe – High-quality silicone chewelry (like Munchables) is designed to handle real chewing, not just light nibbling.

• Supports different sensory needs – Available in different chew strengths (from mild to very strong) and textures (smooth, lightly textured, heavily textured).

• Cleaner than shirts or fingers – Easy to wash with soap and water.

• Often accepted in classrooms – Especially in more discreet designs that look like regular jewelry.

Cons of chewelry

• Visible – Some children may feel self-conscious; others love the cool designs.

• Needs supervision when new – You’ll want to check for damage and teach safe use, especially at the start.

Best for:
Kids, teens and adults who need consistent oral sensory regulation throughout the day, or who chew on clothing, hair, sleeves, nails, or random objects. It’s especially helpful for aggressive chewers and all-day sensory seekers.

For kids who chew on shirts or sleeves throughout the day, chewelry pendants and chew necklaces are usually the most practical all-day option.

Quick Comparison

You can describe this in your blog as text, or use a simple table if your theme supports it:

 

How Do I Choose What’s Right for My Child?

Ask yourself:

• When does my child chew most?

  • Mostly during writing → start with pencil/pen toppers.

  • All day (recess, car rides, TV, transitions) → chewelry usually works better.

  • Only occasionally in stressful social situations → maybe gum at home (if safe).

• How strong is their chewing?

  • Light nibbling → standard chews and toppers are often enough.

  • Constant, aggressive chewing or destroyed shirts → look for stronger chewelry and check it regularly.

• Where will they use it?

  • Strict “no gum” school → chewelry and pencil toppers are the realistic options.

  • Home only → you can combine chewelry, toppers, and gum (if recommended by your dentist/healthcare provider).

You don’t have to pick just one tool. Many families build a small sensory toolkit:

• A chew necklace or bracelet for all-day use

• Pencil or pen toppers for schoolwork and homework

• Possibly gum for older kids at home, if it’s safe and allowed

The Bottom Line

If your child only needs a quick chew now and then, gum might be enough.
If they mainly chew while writing or doing homework, pencil toppers are a great match.

But if your child is chewing all day, destroying clothes, or constantly seeking oral input, wearable chewelry is usually the most effective long-term solution. It gives them a safe, consistent place to chew so they can feel calmer, more focused, and more comfortable in their body.

If you’re ready to explore chew options, you can browse the Munchables Chewelry Collection and choose the chew strength and style that best fits your child’s sensory needs.