Many children instinctively seek oral sensory input to help them self-regulate. You might notice your child chewing on their shirt, biting pencils, or constantly wanting snacks. This is because oral input can be incredibly calming and can help kids manage stress, focus better, and feel more grounded.
The mouth is full of sensory receptors, and stimulating them through sucking, chewing, or blowing can help us meet our individual sensory needs and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s “rest and digest” mode). This can be especially beneficial for children who experience anxiety, sensory processing challenges, or difficulties with focus and attention.
It is important to note that some children have a low threshold for oral sensory input, and some have a high threshold. For those with a low threshold, they may avoid certain textures and foods, meanwhile children with a high threshold may seek this input out. When considering this as a tool for your child’s own sensory toolbox, having a strong knowledge of your child’s sensory preferences and completing trials of different strategies is so important.
ORAL SENSORY STRATEGIES TO TRY WITH YOUR CHILD:
You don’t need fancy equipment—many calming oral sensory strategies use everyday household items! Here are some easy ways to provide oral input:
Chewing Activities:
- Offer crunchy or chewy snacks like apple slices, carrots, pretzels, bagels, dried fruit, or jerky. In moderation, chewy lollies also work great!
- Try sugar-free gum for older kids.
- Provide a safe chewable item, like a silicone chew necklace. You can get different levels of toughness and styles to suit your child.
- Increase the temperature/flavour/texture of their preferred foods or drinks – like making something really cold or spicy.
Sucking Activities:
- Have your child drink smoothies, or yogurt through a thick straw for extra resistance.
- Offer a water bottle with a built-in straw to encourage regular sucking for calming input.
- Let them suck on a popsicle, ice cube, or frozen fruit for soothing sensory stimulation.
Blowing Activities:
- Blow bubbles outside or through a straw into a cup of water.
- Use a balloon to practice deep, calming breaths.
- Play a game where they blow cotton balls across a table using a straw.
These simple activities can help your child feel more regulated, calm, and focused. Every child is different, so experiment to see which oral sensory strategies work best for your family!
Speak to your occupational therapist to learn more about this, or how to use these strategies to create a personalised sensory diet for your child.
SIENNA SMILEY
Occupational Therapist
