How do I choose a suitable bite chain?

Choosing a bite chain for your child can be a daunting task. After all, there are so many different chew jewelry available! They come in different shapes, different textures, different strengths and different colors. In this blog we hope to help you on your way and learn which chew chain is best for your child.

Why does your child chew?

Some children chew throughout the day. Sometimes this is a sensory problem, sometimes it is related to toothache, and sometimes it is due to their developmental age. In some cases, it may be related to a diagnosis such as autism, learning disability or general developmental delay. First, it’s important to know more about why children chew and the importance of chewing chains. I therefore recommend that you read these articles as background information.

Tips for choosing a suitable bite chain

Chewing is often an attempt by your child to calm down and regulate himself. That is why it is also important to take into account activities and situations that cause tension and to make adjustments where possible before immediately reaching for a bite chain.

Bite chains are useful for children who keep chewing on things, such as their pencil or collar, even after other strategies have been considered. Before choosing a chew chain, there are three questions to ask.

1. Where and how does your child chew?

Remember that chewing provides additional proprioceptive sensory input. So it is important where and how your child chews. By where do I mean where in the mouth? Take a look at when your child is chewing. Is the object in the front of the mouth? Or is it on the back? Does your child bite hard with molars or front teeth or is there more of sucking?

Chewing gives sensory feedback. Therefore, it is important to consider how your child chews, this will help you know which type of chewing chain suits your child best. So observe your child for a few days.

When your child is sucking on the front of the object, a rounder design bite chain may sometimes be preferable. However, if your child likes to chew the molars in the back of the mouth, then a longer bite chain is recommended.

Be sure to include how hard your child chews. If your child chews very hard, you should consider a sturdy chewing chain, and then when chewing with molars, opt for a wider design without corners. Sometimes your child does not like the firmest bite chain, because it gives less sensory input. Then you can consider a slightly softer one, but it may be that it needs to be replaced sooner.

2. What texture and shape to choose with a chewing chain?

Many children like to chew on clothes. Then, when they get a bite chain, some kids don’t use it. They prefer to chew on their clothes or favorite toys. Therefore, it is very important to think about texture and shape, starting with what the child is already chewing.

Material is a very different texture than a piece of Lego. See what your child likes to do the most. If your child chews on material, they often find a bite chain too hard, so be sure to choose a softer bite chain or a bandana to chew on, as this is their favorite texture.

Chewing jewelry comes in different textures. First, they can be harder or softer. This is important to consider, because if the child likes a little more sensory input, they will need a chewing chain for light chewing needs, which is softer and more pliable. Second, they may have textured patterns. Every child is different. Some like these patterns such as ridges because this also gives extra stimuli and others do not.

By starting with what your child is currently biting at, you can begin to understand what his or her preferences might be.

3. Are bite chains age-appropriate and/or socially appropriate for the child?

It is unlikely to be out of place in children with severe learning difficulties to meet chewing needs. This is especially true if they are in a special school and are surrounded by other children who use chewing jewelry. The same goes for younger children. Under the age of five, no one is surprised when your child chews on a bite chain.

However, for children in mainstream school who have a high level of social awareness, a bite chain may not be appropriate. First, they don’t want to stand out, look different. Second, it can attract unwanted attention from their peers. By saying that, there are some kids who don’t mind what their peers are thinking and who like to keep chewing on their chew chain. Every child is different and requires guidance in this. For adolescents we often have quieter colors and less striking designs or pencil toppers which also meet chewing needs but are less noticeable.

 

Ensure safety

How to choose between the available chew jewelry?
You should be armed with a lot of information by now. This information will help you consider which chew chain is right for your child.

One recommendation is to avoid cheaper alternatives to chewing jewelry
There are many suggestions online for cheap solutions to chewing need. We understand why parents prefer a cheaper option, but we don’t recommend it, as it’s hard to know if they’re safe.

This is because single-use plastic products often contain BPA. BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that has been used since the sixties to make certain plastics and resins. Both the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) agree that there is evidence that BPA has endocrine disrupting properties. This led them to the decision to strictly restrict its use in areas that come into contact with food, such as food and beverage packaging.

We recommend that you only buy bite jewelry, which is specially designed for children to chew, from reputable brands.

Of course, it is also important to make sure that you wash the bite chain regularly. Usually washing in warm soapy water is sufficient. Some chew jewelry can also be put on the top shelf in the dishwasher.

Our advice for a suitable bite chain for your child

When children chew in the back of their mouths

These children usually prefer a long bite chain or bite toy. So the P, I and X-shaped chew jewelry with longer arms can be a good choice. Consider, for example, the Tetra bite. Often these children also prefer to chew a little harder.

When children prefer to chew or suck/suck in the front of the mouth

A rounder chew chain may be more suitable for these children. There are many different options with different textures. Often these children prefer softer chew chains with a little more flexibility. The ‘dog tag‘ can also be particularly good for children who like to suck.

For children who chew everywhere in their mouths

Look for a bite chain that has both a long and a round section. For example, the eternity of Chewigem can be suitable or a doll as a chewing product, because it has a rounder part on the head and longer parts on the legs and arms. The hexichew can also be an option.

For children who quickly chew their bite chain

These children need a sturdy chewing chain, need harder chewing. Think of the Buddybite in the sturdiest version. Or the Ark Therapeutic super star chewing chain in the sturdiest variant. We also have good experiences with the Chewigem Eternity !

Alternatives to chewing jewelry

When material is preferred

Children who prefer the texture of the material may reject a bite chain. It often happens that these children also forget to use their chew chain and just keep chewing on their clothes. A bandana around the child’s neck can be a good alternative for two reasons. First, they can help save clothes. Secondly, they can be changed as often as necessary, which also prevents the child’s clothes from getting soaked.

Vibrating material for the mouth

In some cases, vibration in the mouth area for short periods of time may be helpful. There is a product called the ‘ARK z-vibe‘ that is very robust.