The Oral Dangers Of Chewing On Ice

By Author: Ben Wolfe
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Like many people, you may have a habit of chewing on ice. The practice is more common than you might think. As a dentist, though, I strongly suggest you give it up. Ice chewing is quite dangerous and puts your oral health at risk. Indeed, crunching the frozen water could ruin your smile. As for why that’s the case, I’d be happy to explain things. To that end, here’s a summary of ice chewing, its oral dangers, and its practical alternatives.

Ice Chewing: A Common Habit
Chewing on ice, or pagophagia, is the most common form of “pica” – the act of chewing things with no nutritional value. It’s thus a fairly typical habit among vast swathes of people.

Today, scientists think the compulsion’s main source is anemia. Ice may soothe the inflammation from iron deficiencies. A 2014 study from Medical Hypotheses even concludes that eating ice is like drinking strong coffee for those lacking iron.

Of course, there are other reasons to chew ice. These include dry mouth relief, stress relief, boredom, and a desire to restrict food intake.

Chewing on Ice is Dangerous
While you might enjoy ...
... it, chewing on ice is a bad habit. The quirk could easily hurt your oral health if you’re not careful.

You see, biting down on ice can cause dental damage. It often results in cracked or chipped teeth that function poorly. Furthermore, this chewing can make a tooth sensitive by exposing the latter’s dentin. Chewing ice also tends to break fillings, crowns, and veneers, leading to a higher risk of cavities.

Alternatives to Chewing on Ice
Fortunately, it’s possible to stop chewing on ice. The right tricks can even help you quit the habit for good. For example, consider those listed below:

• Make It Melt – Rather than crunch the frosty cubes, let them slowly melt in your mouth. The latter action is just as satisfying and lasts longer than chewing the whole glass.
• Skip Ice Entirely – If you’re eating out, don’t put ice in your beverages. This approach removes the temptation to chew entirely. Plus, you’d avoid the germs that can come from ice makers.
• Switch to Slush – These other kinds range from shaved ice and slushies to “soft” or nugget ice.
• Find the Core Cause – Talk to your dental practice if ice chewing proves irresistible. They can help you discern the underlying cause. (It may be due to an iron deficiency, meaning an iron supplement could help.)
• Crunch Switch – Chew on crisp fruits and veggies to get that satisfying crunch. Particularly good ones are carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and apple slices. They’d curb your urge, stimulate saliva production, and scrub your teeth.

Ultimately, you’re better off not chewing ice at all. With that said, use the tricks above to give up the habit and find better ones instead!