Oral Seeking Behaviors: Why They Happen & How to Help

Understanding Oral Seeking Behavior

Does your child constantly chew on their shirt, suck on their fingers, or bite on objects like pencils or toys? If so, they may be demonstrating oral seeking behavior—a common sensory processing need. Many children, particularly those with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, use their mouths to explore and regulate their sensory world. Understanding why this happens and how to provide safe, effective alternatives can make a big difference in a child's development and daily functioning.

What is Oral Seeking?

Oral seeking behavior refers to a child’s need to chew, suck, bite, or mouth objects as a way to regulate their sensory system. It is part of sensory processing, which helps the brain interpret and respond to sensory input. Children who engage in oral seeking often have difficulty processing proprioceptive (deep pressure) and oral sensory input, leading them to seek stimulation through their mouths.

Common Signs of Oral Seeking Behavior

If your child is orally seeking, you might notice behaviors such as:

• Chewing on shirt collars, sleeves, or other clothing
• Sucking on fingers, thumbs, or hair
• Biting or gnawing on pencils, toys, or other non-food objects
• Preferring crunchy, chewy, or textured foods
• Excessive gum chewing or lip biting
• Seeking out oral activities like blowing bubbles, whistling, or drinking from a straw frequently
  

  

  Why Do Children Exhibit Oral Seeking Behaviors?

  1. Sensory Processing Differences
  Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism, or ADHD may struggle with self-regulation and use oral input to help organize their nervous system. Chewing or sucking can provide calming proprioceptive input, helping children feel more grounded and focused.

2. Anxiety and Self-Soothing
Oral seeking can also be a form of self-soothing. Just as some children use pacifiers or blankets for comfort, chewing can serve as a way to cope with stress or anxiety.

3. Underdeveloped Oral Motor Skills
Some children may have weaker oral muscles and seek extra input to strengthen their jaw, lips, and tongue. This is common in children with speech delays or feeding difficulties.

4. Hunger or Nutritional Deficiencies
Sometimes, oral seeking can be linked to hunger or a lack of certain nutrients, such as iron or zinc. Ensuring a child’s diet is balanced can help rule out nutritional concerns.

How to Help a Child with Oral Seeking Behaviors

1. Offer Safe Chewing Alternatives
Providing appropriate oral input can redirect a child from chewing unsafe objects. Consider:

• Chewelry (chewable jewelry made of safe silicone)
• Chewable pencil toppers
• Silicone straws or rubber tubing
  
• Chew Tubes
• Textured teething toys (for younger children)
  
  2. Incorporate Oral Motor Activities
  Engaging in oral motor exercises can help strengthen oral muscles and fulfill sensory needs:
  
  
• Blowing activities (bubbles, whistles, or pinwheels)
• Drinking through a straw (especially thick liquids like smoothies)
• Chewing crunchy or chewy foods (e.g., carrots, pretzels, dried fruit, or bagels)
• Sucking on frozen fruit or yogurt tubes
  
  3. Support Sensory Regulation with Deep Pressure Input
  Since oral seeking is often linked to sensory regulation, full-body sensory strategies can help:
• Proprioceptive activities (heavy work like carrying groceries or pushing/pulling games)
• Weighted blankets or lap pads for calmness
• Vibration therapy with vibrating toothbrushes or z-vibes for extra oral input
  
  

  

  
  
  4. Address Underlying Anxiety or Emotional Needs
  If anxiety is contributing to oral seeking behaviors, helping a child with emotional regulation strategies can be beneficial:

Deep breathing exercises
Mindfulness activities
Social stories to address triggers for stress or overstimulation
5. Monitor Nutritional Intake
If a child is excessively mouthing or chewing, consult with a healthcare provider to rule out nutritional deficiencies like low iron or zinc.

When to Seek Professional Support
While oral seeking is common, some cases may require additional support. Consider reaching out for occupational therapy services with Faith and Function if:

Oral behaviors interfere with school, eating, or social interactions
The child chews excessively on unsafe objects
Oral seeking leads to gagging, choking, or difficulty transitioning to new foods
Sensory strategies are not effective, and behaviors persist
At Faith and Function, I provide personalized occupational therapy services to help children with sensory processing challenges, including oral seeking behaviors. If you need guidance tailored to your child’s needs, contact me here to discuss how I can help!

Final Thoughts
Oral seeking behavior is a natural part of sensory processing for many children. By understanding the reasons behind it and offering sensory-friendly alternatives, parents and therapists can support children in developing healthier, safer ways to meet their oral sensory needs.

Related Articles:
Sensory Strategies to Help Children With Autism
Take Control of Sensory Overload: Preventing Meltdowns Before They Happen

About the Author
Hi, I’m Alicia Clark, a licensed pediatric occupational therapist, Autism specialist, and certified Therapeutic Listening provider with over 18 years of experience. Growing up with my own sensory challenges and now as a mom to children with sensory processing needs, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight to help families navigate sensory-friendly travel and daily life. Through Faith and Function, I provide hands-on strategies to support children and families in creating a sensory-friendly world.