Ask the Dentist!
Ice Chewing = Tooth Problems
Ice chewing is one of the most damaging habits to teeth that I see daily. Along with clenching and grinding, ice chewing causes cracks in teeth, eventually leading to teeth breaking. In addition to tooth cracks, chipped or broken crowns and fillings also occur. As cracks get deeper, pain in chewing can occur, which could lead to a root canal and crown.
Ice chewing can be a habit and an indication of anemia, especially in women. One of the main questions I ask of patients who chew ice is, do they “crave” ice? Craving ice is more of an indication of anemia than a habit. This of course should be checked and verified by a primary care physician and treated accordingly.
Furthermore, if you chew ice, it’s best to stop ASAP because it will keep problems from occurring quicker than they should! If you are experiencing any dental pain, please give us a call at (225) 926-4203, or visit our website to schedule an appointment. We are always accepting new patients.