Enjoying a delightfully cold shaved ice on a hot summer day can be a tasty way to cool down. However, if you find yourself making frequent trips to the freezer to crunch on whole ice cubes, you may want to nix this habit. In addition to indicating other underlying health issues, dentists caution that ice chewing can be detrimental to your oral health.   

Why You Should Drop the Ice Habit

Why Do People Chew Ice?

Compulsive ice chewing is known as pagophagia. People with anemia, or iron deficiency, often develop ice chewing habits. This is because anemia results in red blood cells not carrying enough oxygen throughout the body, especially to the brain. Chewing ice sends more oxygenated blood to the brain, which helps people feel more alert and focused. Others who chew ice have pica, an eating disorder in which people have urges to chew on non-nutritional or non-edible items.   

What Are the Dental Risks?  

Dentists warn that chewing ice excessively can damage your dental health in a number of ways. The biggest concern is the erosion of enamel. This is the outermost layer of your teeth, which acts as a protective barrier. Teeth can also be broken or chipped, and existing dental work such as crowns and fillings may be damaged. Ice addicts are also more prone to cavities and sore jaw muscles.  

How Do You Stop?

If you have an ice-chewing habit you can’t easily kick, schedule a blood test to check for iron deficiency. Some people also chew ice to relieve a dry mouth caused by smoking or chewing tobacco. In this case, giving up the first habit usually helps to resolve the second. Lastly, some ice chewers simply find it refreshing and enjoy the crunch. Dentists recommend switching to carrots, apples, or finely shaved ice, which can melt in your mouth.

If you have an ice-chewing habit, visit your local dentist for an oral exam. If you live in Enterprise, AL, contact S. Jill Spurlin, DMD. The dental experts at this clinic can help diagnose the cause of your ice chewing habit and give recommendations to help protect your teeth. Dr. Spurlin and her staff also specialize in routine teeth cleanings, preventative care, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. To learn more about their dental services, visit them online or call (334) 475-2624 to schedule an appointment.