Choosing the right hardness is the single most important practical decision when buying a chew necklace. A chew necklace that is too soft for the user will be bitten through quickly — potentially becoming a safety concern and certainly an expensive one. One that is too firm may not satisfy the sensory need. Chewel offers three levels: Mild, Firm, and Intensive.
Key Takeaways
- Mild: for gentle mouthers, first-time users, or those with sensitive teeth
- Firm: the most popular level — for regular, consistent chewers
- Intensive: for strong, persistent chewers who quickly destroy other options
- When in doubt, go one level firmer — too soft is more problematic than slightly too firm
- Chewing habits can intensify under stress — consider going firmer for high-stress periods
- If a necklace is being chewed through in less than a month, move up a level
How to Assess Your Child's Chewing Intensity
Before reading the descriptions below, think about how the person currently chews when they don't have a chew necklace. The answers to these questions will guide your choice:
- How quickly do they go through pencils, pens, or straws?
- Is clothing actually damaged from chewing, or just wet?
- Do they bite down hard enough to leave marks on firm objects?
- Has a previous chew necklace been bitten through, and if so, how long did it last?
The softest option. Best suited to children who mouth or lightly bite objects rather than applying significant jaw pressure. Mild users typically:
Seek the texture or feeling of something in the mouth more than the pressure of biting. May have sensitive teeth or a lighter chewing style. Are trying a chew necklace for the first time and may be tentative. Don't bite through pencils or straws quickly. May be younger children (4–6) for whom a softer pendant is more appropriate.
Note: Mild is not recommended for heavy or persistent chewers — it will not last and may not satisfy the sensory need.
The most popular level — and for good reason. Firm is appropriate for a wide range of consistent chewers. Firm users typically:
Chew on pencils, pens, or straws fairly consistently. Chew through clothing fabric (making it wet and stretched) but don't destroy it rapidly. Bite their nails regularly. May have gone through Mild chew necklaces in weeks rather than months. Need regular chewing input to stay regulated, especially during demanding tasks.
Firm is the recommended starting point for most children aged 5 and above who have a clear oral sensory need.
The densest and most durable silicone we offer. Intensive is for people with a genuinely strong chewing drive. Intensive users typically:
Bite through pencils and straws rapidly (within days). Cause visible damage to clothing through chewing. Have already chewed through Mild or Firm necklaces. Leave bite marks on hard surfaces. Have a strong oral proprioceptive need that lighter options simply don't satisfy.
Intensive necklaces should still be inspected regularly and replaced when worn. Even Intensive silicone will eventually show wear in very heavy chewers.
The "When in Doubt, Go Firmer" Rule
This is the most reliable heuristic when choosing between levels. Here is why:
- A necklace that is too soft will be chewed through quickly, potentially creating small pieces. It will also not satisfy a strong chewer's sensory need, meaning they will continue to seek input elsewhere. It is wasted money and may become a safety issue.
- A necklace that is slightly too firm will still work. The user can still bite it and get input — they may need slightly more effort, which actually provides stronger proprioceptive stimulation. It will last longer. It will remain safe for longer.
Situations That May Call for a Firmer Option
Chewing behaviour often intensifies under stress or in cognitively demanding situations. Consider moving up a level temporarily during:
- Exam or assessment periods
- School transitions (starting a new school, moving class)
- Family change or emotional stress
- Busy holiday periods with disrupted routine
Lifespan as a Guide
A simple rule of thumb: if a chew necklace is being chewed through in less than a month under normal use, move up one level. A Firm necklace lasting less than three or four weeks for a daily user is a sign the Intensive level is needed. See: how long does a chew necklace last?
Ready to choose? Our buying guide covers shapes, designs, and first-time buyer advice.
Buying Guide →