It’s one of the most common habits for people to mindlessly chew on ice, especially during the summer months. Unfortunately, this habit is something you should work on changing. Chewing ice can cause a lot of oral health issues such as gum injuries and broken teeth. If one is not careful, it can be the reason for an expensive trip to the dentist.
What Causes People to Crave Ice?
Craving ice can be a sign of a health-related issue and a larger underlying problem. Some of the top reasons that people are craving ice are:
1. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Anemia is when your blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. People that have iron deficiency anemia don’t have enough oxygen in their red blood cells. Iron is what helps the body create healthy red blood cells. Without iron, people don’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Research shows that chewing ice sends more blood up to the brain, and more blood means more oxygen.
2. Pica
Pica is an eating disorder and is classified as a psychiatric condition and an intellectual disability that causes people to eat nonstick items such as clay, paper, ash, or dirt. Pagophagia is a subcategory of pica where you eat ice, snow, or ice water.
3. It’s a Compulsion
Some are addicted to chewing on ice and crave it like a smoker would crave a cigarette. They might know the best places to get ice from and feel like they need it in order to function.
Every ice chewing habit, small or large, is not good and you should try and break it.
As with any habit, the first thing you should do is make yourself aware. Be conscious of when you are chewing ice and drink as many beverages as you can that don’t have ice in them. You should also have your blood tested to make sure you’re not low on iron.
If you are concerned about your oral health or if you chew on ice frequently, make sure you schedule an appointment with Paradise Dental in Salem, MA. We can help evaluate your teeth and gums to make sure there is no damage from chewing on ice. With any questions about how chewing ice is bad for your teeth or to schedule an appointment, you can call us at (781) 780-2246 or contact us directly on our website.
