It was barely noticeable in the beginning. Sarah is a 32-year-old marketing executive. She frequently found herself absentmindedly chewing on her hoodie strings whenever she was in long Zoom calls and client presentations. She thought it as a quirky habit initially that this might be a harmless thing to pass the time. But after a few months, her friends and coworkers began to notice this behaviour. Sarah herself started feeling self-conscious and embarrassed.
“I didn’t even realize I was doing it until someone pointed it out,” she says. What seemed like an innocent habit came out to be a sign of something more serious. She didn’t even understand initially that it could be more than just a funny thing.
Chewing on clothes in adults may seem unusual, or even childish. However, Sarah’s story teaches that it may not always be a funny thing to ignore. It is not the same with everyone. Many adults experience this behavior as a result of some neurological issues. They often dismiss it as a harmless quirk, but it can sometimes point to underlying emotional, sensory, or neurological challenges which can be more serious as well.
What Does Chewing on Clothes Mean in Adults?
It is not always a casual habit if you are chewing on clothes. It can be symptomatic of a variety of issues in adult population that may signal medical problems. Some of the most common causes include:
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Stress and Anxiety:
Sarah later realized that her chewing episodes coincided with moments of high stress, such as when she had stringent work deadlines or during personal conflicts. “It felt comforting somehow like I could redirect my nerves somewhere,” she explains. This is similar to how many other adults use repetitive behaviors, such as chewing or nail-biting, as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions they might be dealing with.
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Sensory Processing Needs:
Chewing provides some sort of sensory feedback in individuals that helps them feel calm or focused. Adults with sensory sensitivities or conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more often to engage in behaviours like chewing as a way to self-regulate.
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Oral Fixation:
An unresolved oral fixation from childhood can also be carried into adulthood which can manifest in such conditions. In case of Sarah, the soothing sensation of chewing mimicked the comfort she felt while sucking on a pacifier when she was a child. This indicates there was a subconscious link that she wasn’t aware of until later.
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Habitual Behavior:
In some cases, it’s simply a habit that persist even when the person moves into adulthood without any deeper cause. In such cases, it might not always be a concern, but it’s worth examining with a doctor if it begins to affect daily life.
Sarah’s Journey
Sarah’s habit of chewing on her clothes became more noticeable during work presentations. “I’d unconsciously start chewing on my sweater cuffs or shirts while presenting data. I didn’t even notice how often I did it until someone else among my colleagues awkwardly mentioned it to me after a meeting.” She felt embarrassed, and she decided to do some research and discovered that she wasn’t alone.
She joined online forums where adults shared similar stories of chewing on clothes and learned about possible triggers. “It was a relief to find out that this wasn’t just me being weird. It’s something others go through as well, and more importantly it can be managed.”
The Science Behind Chewing Habits
Why do some adults find chewing so comforting? The answer lies in the brain. Chewing activates the release of dopamine, which is a chemical associated with pleasure and reward. It also engages the oral sensory system and provides a calming effect on the nervous system.
Chewing can provide the tactile input their brain craves in individuals with sensory processing sensitivities. It’s similar to why babies chew on toys during teething. There’s an innate need to soothe and regulate among babies.
- 1 in 10 adults may engage in chewing on objects as a stress-relieving behavior.
- 70% of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report using chewing or similar behaviors to self-regulate.
- 65% of individuals who chew on non-food items do so to manage anxiety or high stress levels.
- 85% of people with oral fixations or sensory-seeking behaviors find alternative coping mechanisms help reduce the habit.
Potential Implications of Chewing on Clothes
While Sarah found comfort in chewing, it began to have practical and social consequences. Chewing on clothing comes with its risks:
- Hygiene Issues: Clothes are not designed for oral contact and can harbor bacteria, leading to potential infections.
- Dental Concerns: Constant chewing can wear down teeth, cause jaw discomfort, or even damage dental work.
- Social Implications: For Sarah, chewing on clothes during professional settings undermined her confidence and credibility.
When to Seek Help
Chewing on clothes is a manageable habit for most people. But for some people, it may signal deeper issues that require professional attention. Consider seeking help if:
- The behavior becomes compulsive or interferes with daily life.
- It is accompanied by high levels of stress or emotional distress.
- There are other signs of sensory processing issues or related conditions.
- Chew Substitutes: “I bought a silicone chew necklace, which gives me the same sensation without ruining my clothes.”
- Stress Relief Tools: Sarah practices breathing exercises and uses stress balls during work.
- Accountability: “I told my close friends about it, and they gently remind me when I start chewing without realizing it.”
Underlying Causes You Might Not Expect
In some cases, chewing on clothes may be linked to rare conditions such as the following:
- Pica Disorder: This condition involves cravings for non-food items like dirt, ice, or clothing. Chewing on clothes might be indicative of this disorder.
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Adults with ADHD or ASD often experience sensory seeking behaviors like chewing which helps them to maintain focus or self-soothe.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A deficiency in iron or other essential nutrients can also sometimes manifest as unusual cravings or chewing habits.
How Sarah Overcame Her Habit
Through therapy, Sarah learned to manage her triggers. Her occupational therapist introduced her to alternative tools like sensory-friendly chewable jewelry. This helped her by allowing to satisfy her oral fixation without damaging her clothes.
She also started practicing mindfulness techniques. “Whenever I feel the urge to chew, I take three deep breaths and focus on what’s causing my stress,” she explains. This not only reduced her chewing habit but also helped her feel more in control of her emotions.
A Path to Understanding and Support
Chewing on clothes in adults might seem odd, but it’s a symptom with valid explanations and solutions. If you or anyone you know is linked to stress, sensory needs, or habit, it is important to understand the underlying causes to be able to manage the behavior properly.
Sarah’s journey shows that with the right tools, support, and understanding, it’s possible to overcome the habit and feel empowered. If you or someone you know is dealing with similar behaviors, consider joining a healthcare community like DiseaseFix, where you can connect, share experiences, and find the support you need. Together, we can bring understanding and compassion to even the most overlooked challenges.
