Tics are sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or vocalisations. They are neurological in origin and are not something a person can simply choose to stop. A chew necklace does not treat or cure tics. However, for some individuals with oral tics or tic disorders, a chew necklace may provide an alternative channel for oral energy and reduce the intensity or frequency of some oral tics. This page explains the nuance honestly.
Key Takeaways
- Tics are involuntary, sudden, repetitive movements or vocalisations — they are neurological, not behavioural
- A chew necklace does not treat tics and should not be presented as a treatment
- For some individuals, oral tics overlap with oral sensory seeking — a chew necklace may help reduce this component
- Many people with tic disorders (including Tourette's) also have ADHD or autism, which can co-exist with oral sensory needs
- Stress and tiredness worsen tics; the calming effect of chewing may indirectly reduce tic intensity in some individuals
- Always consult a neurologist or specialist for tic disorders — a chew necklace is not a substitute for medical evaluation
What Are Tics?
Tics are sudden, brief, repetitive, semi-voluntary movements or sounds. They are neurological in origin — they arise from differences in the basal ganglia and related circuits of the brain that control movement. They are not consciously chosen and cannot simply be stopped at will, although many people can suppress them temporarily with significant effort (which tends to result in a "tic rebound" once the suppression relaxes).
Tics are classified as:
- Motor tics: movements — eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging, facial grimacing
- Vocal tics: sounds — throat clearing, sniffing, grunting, saying words or phrases
- Simple tics: involving one muscle group or sound
- Complex tics: involving coordinated movements or phrases
Transient tic disorder (tics lasting less than a year) is common in children — estimates suggest 5–10% of children will experience some tics at some point. Persistent tic disorder and Tourette's syndrome (which requires both motor and vocal tics lasting more than a year) are less common but significant conditions that benefit from specialist assessment.
Oral Tics
Oral tics are a subset of tics involving the mouth, jaw, or throat. Examples include:
- Teeth clicking or grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Tongue pressing or protrusion
- Lip smacking or licking
- Throat clearing
These tics involve the same muscle groups that are engaged by chewing. This is important to understand when considering whether a chew necklace might help.
What a Chew Necklace Can and Cannot Do
A chew necklace does not treat tics. Tics are neurological, and they require specialist assessment and, in some cases, specific interventions such as Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) or medication. A chew necklace is not a substitute for any of these.
However, there are some situations where a chew necklace may provide a modest benefit:
- Co-existing oral sensory need: many people with tic disorders also have ADHD (approximately 50% of people with Tourette's also have ADHD). The oral sensory seeking associated with ADHD may compound the expression of oral tics. Meeting the oral sensory need via a chew necklace may reduce this component without affecting the tic itself.
- Calming effect: tics worsen with stress, anxiety, and tiredness. The proprioceptive and calming effects of chewing may reduce overall tension, which could indirectly reduce tic intensity for some individuals — though this varies greatly between people.
- Competing response: CBIT includes a technique called the "competing response" — a movement or action that is incompatible with the tic. For some oral tics, deliberate chewing on a chew necklace may function as a competing response. This should only be tried under guidance from a CBIT-trained therapist.
The Honest Message
If your child has tics, the most important step is a proper assessment by a paediatrician or neurologist. Tics in children very commonly resolve on their own, particularly transient tics. For persistent tics or Tourette's, there are evidence-based interventions available.
A chew necklace may be a useful additional support tool, particularly if there is also ADHD or sensory processing involvement. But it is one small piece of a picture that requires professional attention — not a standalone answer.
Looking for general chew necklace information? Our complete guide covers everything from materials to school use.
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