Dentists Warn Against the Dangers of Ice Chewing

USA: According to a recent article on the USA Today website by Daryl Austin, many people have a habit of chewing ice despite warnings from dental professionals about the potential damage it can cause to teeth. While some individuals may have an underlying condition called pagophagia, a subtype of pica involving a compulsive urge to chew non-nutritive substances like ice, most people chew ice for a variety of reasons.

As Dr. Roopali Kulkarni, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, states:

“Some people find the act of chewing ice can provide oral stimulation, similar to chewing gum. Other times, chewing ice may soothe oral inflammation such as a swollen tongue, or it may ease the effects of dry mouth, or may be done as a tactic for quitting smoking because it gives the smoker something to focus on other than a cigarette.”

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Risks Associated with Chewing Ice

Despite the perceived benefits or satisfaction some derive from chewing ice, dental experts strongly advise against the habit due to the potential risks it poses to teeth. Dr. Natalie Peterson, a dentist at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, warns:

“Chewing ice can have the same negative consequences as chewing any other overly hard foods or objects. Fractures can be painful, which no one wants, and repairing them can be expensive, sometimes requiring restorations like fillings or crowns to be placed.”

Dangers to Tooth Enamel and Restorations

In addition to the risk of fracturing teeth, Dr. Kulkarni explains that the crystalline structure of ice can cause it to chip or damage tooth enamel. “Tooth enamel is made up of rod-like structures that are composed of thousands of microscopic crystals,” she says. “Ice is also considered a crystal, so when you push two crystals together with force, one of them will give.”

Furthermore, the cold temperature of ice can negatively impact existing dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, as they may expand and contract at different rates compared to natural teeth, leading to potential problems.

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Breaking the Habit and Seeking Professional Help

To break the ice-chewing habit, dentists recommend removing the temptation by switching to cold beverages without ice or letting the ice melt before consuming it. Using a straw can also prevent ice from entering the mouth. For those who crave the crunchy sensation, substituting with softer foods like raw carrots or celery is suggested.

If the habit is related to pagophagia or used as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, seeking help from a mental health professional is advisable to address the underlying issue.

Dr. Kulkarni emphasizes the importance of heeding dental advice, stating: “The risks outweigh the enjoyment of chewing ice every time. Ice is only meant for cooling, not chewing.”

This article is based on information from a USA Today article written by Daryl Austin, available at https://www.usatoday.com/.