Did you know that chewing ice is such a common habit that it has its own name, pagophagia. But for those that like to chew ice, this habit can actually be detrimental to your health. And we’re not talking about slushies or shaved ice (although these artificially sugary treats should be avoided as well) but more like the ice cubes that rattle at the bottom of your glass.
Chewing ice can be a sign of emotional distress or obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it can also be a sign of iron deficiency, anemia and other physical issues. But also, some people just like to have something to chew on. For whatever reason you find yourself chewing on ice, it’s a habit that you should try to break.
Chewing ice can cause:
If you’re having a difficult time breaking the habit of ice chewing don’t hesitate to speak with one of our team members or your doctor at Georgia School of Orthodontics about it. If you have any other questions on the topic, feel free to talk to a member of our Atlanta or Gwinnett team. It may be beneficial in solving the issue and helping to fix any damage to your teeth or appliances.