Munching on ice may seem like a harmless habit, but medical and nutrition experts say it could be a sign of health problems that could also create several mouth issues. If you’re addicted to chewing ice, you may have pagophagia. You’ve probably heard about the term “pica” used to describe craving non-food items like paper, chalk, or dirt. Pagophagia is a type of pica where you crave and chew ice. But how can ice chewing affect your teeth and gums? Is there anything the best dentist Delray Beach can do to reverse the effects of pagophagia?

Why Stop Your Ice Chewing Habit Immediately?

Chewing substances with no nutritional value such as ice can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. You need to get blood work done or a physical checkup to see if you have anemia or other issue causing you to crave ice. Ice chewing will result in dental issues such as:

Cracked Tooth Enamel

Many people are unaware of the harmful effects of chewing ice. It will create wear and tear on the tooth enamel, resulting in micro-fractures, which can eventually cause the tooth to break. This could even be severe as needing root canal therapy.

Increases Your Risk of Cavities and Tooth Sensitivity

The dental damage from chewing ice goes beyond tooth enamel. It also includes sore jaw muscles, problems with fillings and crowns, and cracked and chipped teeth. Many people say that their teeth become extremely sensitive to hot or cold drinks and foods.

Could Cause Gum Infection

There is a potential risk of eating a sharp piece of ice that could puncture your gums causing infection and other gum issues. If you feel the need to chew on something, go for sugar-free gum. It is much gentler on teeth and it will keep your breath fresh.

Why See the Best Dentist Delray Beach?

Chewing ice or other hard objects can create permanent damage to your teeth. If you need a dentist’s advice or a teeth restoration procedure, get in touch with our best dentist Delray Beach at Flora Dental to schedule an appointment with us today.