text: what is it called when you chew on things other than food? clothes, foam? if you just chew, it's called a bad habit.   if you also eat it, it's called pica and it is "the persistent eating of non-nutritive substances (such as paint, string, hair, animal droppings, insects, soil) for over a month. the behavior must be developmentally inappropriate and not part of a culturally sanctioned practice."  i hope this helps.