Stop Chewing Ice!!

Are you or someone you know guilty of chewing on ice? It might seem innocent enough like drinking water, especially in the sweltering heat of the tropical weather in Malaysia, but did you know it could cause gum and tooth damage? Here’s a quick breakdown from our dentist at Uptown Dental Surgery.

Why you shouldn’t chew ice:

1. Chewing on ice can cause gum injury and possible recession
2. Chewing on ice and the temperature changes can cause fractures in tooth enamel and broken teeth
3. Chewing on ice can cause brackets to come off for orthodontic patients with braces and shifting of the teeth
4. Chewing on ice could shorten the life of dental restorations
5. Chewing on ice can be painful for patients with sensitive teeth

Why do people chew on ice?:

This probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard some of the above warnings, so why do people still chew on ice? Here are a few reasons…

1. Chewing on ice is the most common form of “pica”, the medical term for craving and chewing on items that have little or no nutritional value.
2. It can be a sign of stress, social anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorders
3. They may have iron-deficiency anemia
4. It may just be boredom

How can people stop this bad habit?

Here are some ways to stop chewing on ice…

1. Drink chilled beverages without ice
2. Use a straw
3. Chew on healthier and softer snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables
4. Try sugar-free gum to keep your breath fresh and even fight tooth decay with gum containing 100% xylitol. Xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria that can cause cavitities

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below or contact our dentist at Uptown Dental Surgery! We are dedicated to your lifetime of dental health!