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Dental Health PSA: Stop Chewing Ice!

Dental Health PSA: Stop Chewing Ice!

WHY DO DENTISTS always warn against chewing ice? It’s because it’s a habit that can do serious and permanent damage to the teeth and gums. Even when ice-chewers know this, they can still find it difficult to quit, so let’s take a closer look at what chewing ice can do to dental health and why people do it.

Pagophagia, or Compulsive Ice Eating

Compulsive ice eating is common enough that it has a scientific name: pagophagia. For some people, this problem goes beyond a simple bad habit and is actually a symptom of pica, a psychological disorder that results in compulsions to eat non-food items in large quantities, including dirt, clay, hair, or ice. It is sometimes caused by a gap in nutrition.

The Link Between Iron-Deficiency Anemia and Ice Chewing

Recent studies have indicated a link between iron deficiency anemia (a condition affecting 3% of men and 20% of women — unless they’re pregnant, at which point it jumps to 50%) and compulsively eating ice. Where does this link come from? Ice contains zero iron, so it shouldn’t be able to help with iron deficiency. The explanation is a fascinating one.

Our red blood cells use iron to carry oxygen throughout our bodies, so when we don’t have enough of it, our brains don’t get as much oxygen. Eating ice counteracts this problem by stimulating blood flow to the head (and the brain), providing a temporary boost to mental clarity and alertness. It isn’t solving the problem, but it is relieving some of the symptoms.

Ice Versus Our Teeth and Gums

Even if this is an effective workaround for iron deficiency, it’s better to actually get back to healthy levels of iron, because the consequences to oral health can be disastrous. Tooth enamel is very brittle. Ice isn’t a problem for it because it’s so hard, but because it’s so cold.

Crunching against ice cubes of any texture causes the enamel to expand and contract the same way pavement does in places that get a lot of snow in winter. Like the pavement, tooth enamel can develop cracks over time. As the enamel weakens, it leaves the rest of the tooth more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.

Gums aren’t safe from ice either. Because of the cold temperature, the gums can grow numb while chewing ice, making it much harder to notice if the ice slips and slices the gums. Ice is also hard enough to chip or break teeth if it hits just right.

Breaking an Ice-Chewing Habit

The best way to treat a problem is to learn the cause. If the ice-chewing is linked to iron deficiency, taking iron supplements is likely to remove the ice cravings. The ice-chewing habit should go away on its own from there. If the problem is pica, there are a variety of interventions available. If you chew ice for the crunch, why not replace ice with apple slices or baby carrots? If you chew it for the ice, try letting it melt on your tongue instead of actually chewing it.

The Dentist Can Help!

A great person to go to with ice-chewing struggles is the dentist. Another is your general physician. We want to help discover the cause, treat existing damage, and help prevent future damage by finding a way to put the ice chewing in the past!

Let’s move forward without the dangers of ice chewing!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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When I embarked on my journey to find the right dental implant service, I initially gravitated towards the two prominent national brands in the field. However, my search took an unexpected and incredibly satisfying turn when I decided to explore the offerings of a local implant provider. Little did I know that this local gem would redefine my expectations of what a top-notch implant service should be like. Here's why my experience with them was nothing short of extraordinary: Meticulous Charting of Teeth and Gums: ★★★★★ One of the first things that set this local provider apart from the national giants was their unwavering commitment to precision and detail. While the big names seemed more focused on the implant procedure itself, this local gem took the time to meticulously chart the condition of my teeth and gums. This attention to detail ensured that my implant procedure was tailored to my specific needs and challenges. It was clear that they understood the importance of a solid foundation for the success of the implants. Infection Prevention Education: ★★★★★ Implant surgery is not without its risks, and one of the key concerns is the possibility of infection. What truly impressed me was the depth of information and guidance this local provider offered regarding infection prevention. They didn't just gloss over this critical aspect; they took the time to discuss the infection possibilities associated with dental implants and, more importantly, outlined a comprehensive plan to combat and mitigate such conditions. Their proactive approach to ensuring patient safety was truly reassuring. First-Year Implant Supervision: ★★★★★ Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of my experience with this local implant provider was their commitment to the long-term success of my dental implants. While the national brands seemed content with the implant procedure itself, this local provider went above and beyond by offering required supervision for the first year following the implant surgery. This level of aftercare and ongoing support was simply unparalleled and gave me peace of mind knowing that my oral health was in capable hands. In conclusion, my exploration journey for dental implants took an unexpected turn when I discovered this exceptional local implant provider. Their dedication to detail, infection prevention, and post-surgery care were nothing short of outstanding. They not only surpassed the standards set by the national brands but also redefined my expectations of what a truly exceptional implant service should encompass. If you're in search of dental implants and want an experience that goes above and beyond, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this local gem a visit. They've certainly earned my trust and gratitude.

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The staff is very kind and the overall atmosphere was very welcoming. :-) Greatly enjoyed my experience there! I look forward to having all my dental work taken care of there!

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The Denist was very informative and took his time explaining to me what the problem was in laymen’s terms. I felt better upon leaving Thani find coming in thank you so much Dr McIntyre

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Morgan is the best! I hadn’t been to the dentist in 10+ years and was nervous even though I’d always been a fan of the dentist (weird I know). Morgan explained her recommendations, how the plan would work and set me up with my various appointment needs. She always remembers details of my life and asks about specific things mentioned previously. She’s wonderful and a great asset to Smiles for Life!

Vera Floyd
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I was happy to have had you for my,you were patient with me especially when I had to swallow, because of my dry throat. Dr mac you a wonderful job of giving me my smile back.I thank you so much,and I give you a high rating 10.Your assistant l give the same rating. I will amend to you all my friends and family. Thank again.

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Terry Eck
5/5

When I embarked on my journey to find the right dental implant service, I initially gravitated towards the two prominent national brands in the field. However, my search took an unexpected and incredibly satisfying turn when I decided to explore the offerings of a local implant provider. Little did I know that this local gem would redefine my expectations of what a top-notch implant service should be like. Here's why my experience with them was nothing short of extraordinary: Meticulous Charting of Teeth and Gums: ★★★★★ One of the first things that set this local provider apart from the national giants was their unwavering commitment to precision and detail. While the big names seemed more focused on the implant procedure itself, this local gem took the time to meticulously chart the condition of my teeth and gums. This attention to detail ensured that my implant procedure was tailored to my specific needs and challenges. It was clear that they understood the importance of a solid foundation for the success of the implants. Infection Prevention Education: ★★★★★ Implant surgery is not without its risks, and one of the key concerns is the possibility of infection. What truly impressed me was the depth of information and guidance this local provider offered regarding infection prevention. They didn't just gloss over this critical aspect; they took the time to discuss the infection possibilities associated with dental implants and, more importantly, outlined a comprehensive plan to combat and mitigate such conditions. Their proactive approach to ensuring patient safety was truly reassuring. First-Year Implant Supervision: ★★★★★ Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of my experience with this local implant provider was their commitment to the long-term success of my dental implants. While the national brands seemed content with the implant procedure itself, this local provider went above and beyond by offering required supervision for the first year following the implant surgery. This level of aftercare and ongoing support was simply unparalleled and gave me peace of mind knowing that my oral health was in capable hands. In conclusion, my exploration journey for dental implants took an unexpected turn when I discovered this exceptional local implant provider. Their dedication to detail, infection prevention, and post-surgery care were nothing short of outstanding. They not only surpassed the standards set by the national brands but also redefined my expectations of what a truly exceptional implant service should encompass. If you're in search of dental implants and want an experience that goes above and beyond, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this local gem a visit. They've certainly earned my trust and gratitude.

Ashley Knight
5/5

The staff is very kind and the overall atmosphere was very welcoming. :-) Greatly enjoyed my experience there! I look forward to having all my dental work taken care of there!

Pam Cook
5/5

My first visit was enjoyable and I look forward to my upcoming appointments. I was impressed with how friendly everyone in the office was and accommodating not only to my schedule but to my unique situation. Highly recommend.

Linda Jackson
5/5

The Denist was very informative and took his time explaining to me what the problem was in laymen’s terms. I felt better upon leaving Thani find coming in thank you so much Dr McIntyre

Nicole Gray
5/5

Morgan is the best! I hadn’t been to the dentist in 10+ years and was nervous even though I’d always been a fan of the dentist (weird I know). Morgan explained her recommendations, how the plan would work and set me up with my various appointment needs. She always remembers details of my life and asks about specific things mentioned previously. She’s wonderful and a great asset to Smiles for Life!

Vera Floyd
5/5

I was happy to have had you for my,you were patient with me especially when I had to swallow, because of my dry throat. Dr mac you a wonderful job of giving me my smile back.I thank you so much,and I give you a high rating 10.Your assistant l give the same rating. I will amend to you all my friends and family. Thank again.