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Many people crave ice from time to time. This can happen at certain times, such as at the end of drinking an iced beverage. However, it may be more compulsive, such as an individual that fills an entire cup with ice and chews all of it, sometimes multiple times a day. In these cases, there are medical reasons behind the compulsive chewing. Either way, if you have a habit of chewing ice, it’s crucial that you stop, as it can harm your dental health. Our Wicker Park dental specialist explains more below.
Simply put, your teeth are not made to withstand the pressure of chewing ice. This habit can cause numerous dental problems. Ice chewing will wear down the enamel of your teeth over time, making your teeth more sensitive. Worn down enamel exposes your teeth to bacteria and increases your risk of tooth decay.
While habitual ice chewing harms your teeth, extreme chewing increases risk of damage. Compulsive ice chewing is much more harmful for your teeth, as the constant pressure wears down enamel quicker. Your teeth may crack or chip from chewing, and the compulsion may lead to lost fillings or crowns.
Aside from being bad for your dental health, compulsive chewing of ice is a common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. If you suffer from other symptoms of this disease, such as fatigue or cold extremities, it is important to talk to your doctor to rule out this cause. Anemia can have serious complications. The habit can also be a symptom of other disorders that your doctor can diagnose. Don’t delay in seeing your doctor!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to dentistry, feel free to contact Dente Complete Dentistry, with a convenient dental office in Wicker Park, IL, by calling 773.295.0562 or by clicking here.
