Something to chew on

amandaeve
amandaeve Posts: 723 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Often times I want to eat, not because I’m hungry, but because I just need to chew something. I chew a lot of gum, but at some point my jaw gets tired. I also use toothpicks, but they get stringy and don’t really allow for much “chewing.” I'd like to pick something more constructive than fingernails and pen caps, lol. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Replies

  • PhedraJD
    PhedraJD Posts: 1,392 Member
    Cinnamon sticks.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    edited August 2016
    I have an oral fixation and there aren't many resources out there for adults. Generally they suggest chewing gum and that's about it. They do make oral sensory things for kids though. https://www.therapyshoppe.com/category/1088-chewies-chewy-jewelry-autism-chews-sensory-oral-motor-tools

    ETA: I chew on ice at work and I keep carrots close by. It annoys some people to listen to that though, so not a solution for everyone.
  • capaul42
    capaul42 Posts: 1,390 Member
    Ice. Love chewing on ice :)
  • Damien_K
    Damien_K Posts: 783 Member
    capaul42 wrote: »
    Ice. Love chewing on ice :)

    You need to have your iron levels checked out, you could possibly be anemic.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Damien_K wrote: »
    capaul42 wrote: »
    Ice. Love chewing on ice :)

    You need to have your iron levels checked out, you could possibly be anemic.

    That would only be if she craves ice. Chewing ice because you enjoy the crunch doesn't imply iron deficiency.
  • capaul42
    capaul42 Posts: 1,390 Member
    Damien_K wrote: »
    capaul42 wrote: »
    Ice. Love chewing on ice :)

    You need to have your iron levels checked out, you could possibly be anemic.

    Been there. Had anemia as a child and always have fluctuations in my iron/ferratin levels. Which is why I started chewing ice, craved it all the time. However, I don't have low levels anymore but still love chewing it. Just don't crave it anymore.
  • Damien_K
    Damien_K Posts: 783 Member
    usmcmp wrote: »
    Damien_K wrote: »
    capaul42 wrote: »
    Ice. Love chewing on ice :)

    You need to have your iron levels checked out, you could possibly be anemic.

    That would only be if she craves ice. Chewing ice because you enjoy the crunch doesn't imply iron deficiency.

    Not according to the articles - the chewing of ice lessens the pain of glossitis which relates to iron deficiency.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,889 Member
    Doctor. Head doctor.
  • capaul42
    capaul42 Posts: 1,390 Member
    Damien_K wrote: »
    usmcmp wrote: »
    Damien_K wrote: »
    capaul42 wrote: »
    Ice. Love chewing on ice :)

    You need to have your iron levels checked out, you could possibly be anemic.

    That would only be if she craves ice. Chewing ice because you enjoy the crunch doesn't imply iron deficiency.

    Not according to the articles - the chewing of ice lessens the pain of glossitis which relates to iron deficiency.

    I never had any pain from my anemia, for me the craving was mostly about the taste. Sucking on pennies helped too. I mostly like the sound now.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Damien_K wrote: »
    usmcmp wrote: »
    Damien_K wrote: »
    capaul42 wrote: »
    Ice. Love chewing on ice :)

    You need to have your iron levels checked out, you could possibly be anemic.

    That would only be if she craves ice. Chewing ice because you enjoy the crunch doesn't imply iron deficiency.

    Not according to the articles - the chewing of ice lessens the pain of glossitis which relates to iron deficiency.

    Not all people who enjoy chewing ice do it because of iron. Some people, like me and many others, have oral fixations and chewing ice helps without adding calories or destroying my fingernails. Some people feel the need to chew ice when they have low iron, but it's not always the case. It's actually sort of crazy to see someone chewing ice and immediately assume they have low iron. Correlation and causation.
  • amandaeve
    amandaeve Posts: 723 Member
    usmcmp wrote: »
    I have an oral fixation and there aren't many resources out there for adults. Generally they suggest chewing gum and that's about it. They do make oral sensory things for kids though. https://www.therapyshoppe.com/category/1088-chewies-chewy-jewelry-autism-chews-sensory-oral-motor-tools

    ETA: I chew on ice at work and I keep carrots close by. It annoys some people to listen to that though, so not a solution for everyone.

    Thanks for the link- I already have 3 items in my cart. I think this will help a lot.

    I keep carrots, snap peas, apples, etc. nearby at work as well, but sometime I don't make it to the store and run out.

    Ice seemed to be a pretty popular choice. Sadly, I don't care for ice. I don't even use it in beverages.
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