Gum is a great sensory tool for alertness and concentration.  The temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) is in your jaw and has the most receptors for proprioception.  Chewing crunchy snacks (pretzels) or gum provides necessary feedback to the body and increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, which regulates and calms the body. 

 

Benefits include:

•         Increase focus

•         Increase alertness

•         Increase concentration

•         Decreases the need for mouthing, chewing on shirt/pencil

•         Decreases repetitive vocalizations

•         Helps release nervous energy

•         Calming and organizing to the body/brain

•         Decrease stress