oral fixation

I'm really struggling these days because I've realized I have an oral fixation. I was a chain smoker for years and finally quit( gained a bunch of weight replacing cigs with food). Since losing weight I've been chewing gum...sugar free at first but then i developed a bad reaction to the artifical sweetner ( BAD stomach cramps) now just regular gum. tons of gum...its the only thing that helps. I've lost 10 pounds( combined with healthy eating and exercise ofcourse) !.Problem is that now I'm developing jaw pains, cavities etc. I'm afraid that if I stop with the gum, I'll start with the smoking again or the overeating. chewing on straws, drinking water etc doesnt seem to satisfy me. Any advice? I feel so crazy but I'm really having trouble with this. could it be emotional?

Mon. Apr 17, 11:50pm

I have an oral fixation too - always chewing on pen caps, etc. Maybe you could try bringing a big bowl of veggies to wherever you're going to be, and munching on them as much as you want. Eventually, you'll probably get bored and stop chewing as often.

It may be psychological though, maybe anxiety-related? It can't hurt to see a doctor or therapist if you question why you act a certain way.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 10:04 AM

In lab mammals (rats, mice, dogs) oral fixation seems to be related to lack of physical contact. Maybe regular massages? More snuggling?

Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 10:27 AM

Wow, that's eye-opening!

I can totally see how an oral fixation is due to decreased physical contact. Sometimes I feel munchy and if I get a snuggle from my honey I'm not hungry anymore.
But sometimes I'm so needy that I can't get all I want from him. Call it insecurity or crazy, but alternative strategies for dealing are necessary too.
Thanks for the insight, though! :)

Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 8:58 PM

Dont know if this will help, but can you try a water bottle instead of gum (or at least half the time.) Try to get one of the sport bottle ones or one with a straw...

Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 9:01 PM

Definitely drinking with a straw might help. You may need to buy a whole pack of straws though; you may find you chew them up too badly to continue with them in not too long.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 10:31 AM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge