Unconscious ice chewing is pretty common amongst individuals and a habit no one really pays attention to. However, you must know that chewing ice is bad for your teeth and acts as a starting point for oral health issues. This can lead to an expensive trip to the dentist. You may not consider it a big deal but keep on reading to know why it is not right to chew on ice cubes.
How Is Chewing Ice Bad For Your Teeth?
Some of the issues that ice eating can induce are:
Damage to the Tooth Enamel
It is the hardest protective covering that encapsulates your teeth; still chewing on ice will cause damage to it. Your enamel defends the teeth against cavities and protects them from sugar and acid content attacks. If your enamel damages after chewing ice, the sensitive contents of your tooth below will become vulnerable to decay.
Destruction of Oral Settings in Mouth
Oral appliances such as braces or retainers help in remaking smiles; they are sturdy and resistant to many corrosive factors. However, their strength and construction can jeopardize after chewing on ice. There is a risk of braces wire dislodging or bracket troubles resulting in sharp shooting pain and an unnecessary visit to the dentist. If your children have this habit of chewing ice, inform them how bad the situation can get.
Chip or Crack in the Teeth
As durable and strong as they may seem, your teeth are not created to crunch tough items such as this. Chewing raw ice cracks or chips the tooth that sends shooting pain impulse and makes you land straight in the emergency.
Dental Filling Damage
Dental fillings are the most sought method of treating cavities. Chewing ice can cause the fillings to displace, and losing a filling means exposure to roots resulting in immense discomfort and pain.
Why Do Some People Chew On Ice?
Some people have “Pica” – a medical term used for cravings and chewing of items that have no nutritional value. This includes ice, clay, dirt, chalk, paint, paper, sand, etc. The urge to chew ice is termed as pagophagia, the most common version of pica. One of the health conditions in link with this is anemia. Scientists, however, are still not 100% sure why anemic people seem to want to chew on ice. However, they do think that it is because inflammation brought along iron deficiency.
Human bodies tend to react differently when submerged in cold water. The heart rates slow down, and vessels in our legs and arms constrict blood flow. This happens to keep the brain up with oxygen and protect core functions.
Researchers say that a cold jolt after chewing on ice pushes oxygenated blood better to the brain, making people with anemia feel awake and focused.
Conclusion
Chewing on ice is mostly subconscious amongst many people. However, one should understand about the dangers of chewing ice and how bad it is for the teeth. If you suffer from any such problem and have sensitive teeth, head to one of the best dentists in Houston at Smile Time Dental. Call or text 281-245-0711 for help.