Chewing Ice Hidden Dangers

Описание: Chewing ice is dangerous because its hardness cracks tooth enamel, damages fillings, and irritates gums, leading to pain, sensitivity, infections, and costly dental work like crowns or extractions; it can also signal underlying iron-deficiency anemia (pagophagia), requiring a doctor's visit, so safer alternatives like pebble ice, frozen grapes, or gum are better.
Dental Dangers
Cracked & Chipped Teeth: Ice's rigidity creates microscopic cracks (craze lines) in enamel, which can grow and lead to fractures, requiring fillings, crowns, or even extraction.
Worn Enamel: Repeatedly chewing ice wears down the protective enamel layer, increasing sensitivity and decay risk.
Damaged Dental Work: It can chip, loosen, or break fillings, crowns, veneers, and braces.
Gum Injuries: Sharp ice pieces can cut or puncture gums, causing bleeding, inflammation, and infection.
Jaw Pain: The pressure can strain your jaw joints (TMJ), potentially causing headaches.
Underlying Health Risks
Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A strong craving for ice (pagophagia) is a classic sign of anemia, so see a doctor if you can't stop.
Other Symptoms: Anemia can also cause fatigue, pale skin, cold hands/feet, and breathlessness.