Chewing needs in dementia can be recognized by sucking or chewing on sleeves and materials. But it is not nice, wet cuffs and sleeves by biting on the clothes. Offering an alternative is important, why? You can read that in this article.

Why is chewing so important in dementia?

It is very important that the elderly can continue to chew well. Chewing – as a form of exercise – has a positive effect on all kinds of bodily functions. In elderly people with dementia, there is also a positive link between chewing ability and memory. Those who can chew better function better. Many people chew on fingers, knuckles, t-shirts, pens, etc. There are several products that offer safe alternatives for chewing. In addition to fulfilling the chewing need, chewing products can also improve oral motor skills and can help in the case of tactile over- and undersensitivity in the mouth area. Practice shows that a chewing jewelry can offer people with dementia peace of mind. It helps them regulate incentives.

Many people with dementia get swallowing or chewing problems after a certain period of time… A chewing jewelry can help, for example, together with the speech therapist or physiotherapist, to ensure that people with dementia deteriorate too quickly in terms of mouth and chewing problems. But a chewing chain can also bring peace or increase alertness.

Chewing jewelry for people with dementia

Chewigem Hexichew

The hexichew from Chewigem is a unique chewing product! The hexichew is suitable for average chewing needs. The hexichew chewing products are suitable for children and adults who also like to fidget. The chew-fidgeting product is a safe chewing product that your demented person can also fidget with. The nice thing about this product is that if you buy several you can link them together by placing the spheres through the round openings. But even with 1 copy you can get enough fidgeting and what is so nice, it is chew-resistant!

In short, a unique chewing product that meets movement restlessness. Whether alertness actually benefits! The hexichew can also be attached to, for example, a handbag or a wheelchair or backpack with the toy strap from chewigem and many other options! And you can chew on it. Personally, I find the hexichew fairly firm and makes me want to chew firmly and while I can also fidget with it.

Ark Therapeutic Tetra Bite

The ARK’s Therapeutic Tetra Bite is a chewable product with many different functions. It has 4 extensions with different texture to chew on. The extensions are long enough to reach the back molars, so you can also use the Tetra Bite during therapy to train jaw muscles. In addition, the Tetra Bite can also be used as a fidget. Put your index finger through the hole and use your other hand to spin the Tetra Bite around.

Chewigem Bubba chewable bracelet

The Bubba chew bracelet is a simple classic bracelet in different colors. Suitable for average chewing needs. The polished, smooth finish gives the bracelet a pleasant texture. A simple classic bracelet in different colors. Suitable for the average chewer and can also be attached to a cord as a chain. It is a mature size, but can also be used as a fun fidget toy. The polished, smooth finish gives the bracelet a pleasant texture. Useful for nail biters, place the bracelet over four fingers as a barrier against the nails and direct the chewing to the bracelet.

By the way, this series matches well with the raindrop chewing chains. The Bubba bracelets from Chewigem are designed with the properties discreet, trendy and flexible. Given the size, it is suitable for young people and adults. TIP: Also very nice to wear these bracelets with 2 pieces as a set or to combine with a miller heart pendant or a raindrop.

Chewigem Tread Bite Bracelet

The Chewigem Tread bracelets are coolly designed chewing bands. These chew jewelry are suitable for adults with chewing needs. The Tread bracelets are thick and sturdy. They have a kind of tractor relief and are suitable for medium to solid chewing needs. The relief invites extra tactile stimuli. This provides both a fidgeting and a ‘biter’ in the mouth area for an extra sensory experience.

Ark Buddy Bite Toy

ARK’s Buddy Bite ™ Chewable Stick Figure is a fun chewing product to chew on. The extensions are long enough to reach the posterior molars where we usually chew the most and for proprioceptive input to the chewing muscle. The loops are firmer and offer more resistance to chewing on both sides of the mouth at the same time. Because of the rings at the arms, you can chew on both sides in the mouth area. In short, a nice looking bite figure suitable for various target groups. Also useful for in bed, or to attach to a wheelchair.

Tips for buying a chewing jewelry

When purchasing a chewing jewelry or chewing product for a person with dementia, it is important to have an eye for the degree of chewing need.

Chewigem and Ark Therapeutic chew jewelry are divided into various strengths. After all, not everyone has the same degree and intensity of chewing. It can also differ per day or moment what the chewing needs of a person is. As a result, it can sometimes be a search for a suitable chewing chain. It is sometimes difficult to estimate which chewing chain best suits everyone’s chewing needs. What can help is to observe the chewing. If the person with dementia really gnaws materials, the person with dementia chews intensively and frequently, then it is best to buy a chewing jewelry for medium (to firm) chewing needs.

If the person with dementia sometimes chews, this person does not really bite through, then it is best to buy a chewing chain for light chewing needs.

The following categories of chewing jewelry are distinguished by us:

• Light chewing requirement
• average chewing requirement
• medium-firm chewing requirement
• Firm chewing need