Chewing ice may seem like a refreshing activity to some people. However, it is better to keep the ice in your drink and avoid chewing it. Chewing on hard ice can lead to chronic jaw pain, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), or dental fractures. Therefore, it is best to steer clear of the activity.
Why Chewing Ice Is Bad For The Jaw
Chewing on chunky ice cubes has become an obsession for some delta patients. However, this medical condition, also known as pica, can impact your jaw’s alignment and lead to cracks and chips in the teeth. Pica is defined as a habit where a patient chews on items with no nutritional value. When you chew on ice for “refreshment” then, you can also throw your jaw out of alignment and make it sore. If you are addicted to ice-chewing, you may want to turn to making a slushy drink instead. However, anything that involves crunching can have bad effects with respect to dentition and the future health of your jaw.
HOW TO ADDRESS ICE CRAVINGS
To treat an addiction to chewing ice, you need to determine the underlying cause. Many people, who are anemic, tend to chew ice. Usually, ice cravings subside when the anemia is treated, and the patient receives an adequate amount of iron in their diet. If you chew ice because of pica, you may need to seek therapy to work out any feelings of anxiety. In cases where you suffer from TMD or chronic jaw pain, talk to us for further assistance. We can help you by suggesting substitutions and by recommending treatment options for TMD.
While chewing ice may sound like a frosty way to stay cool on a hot day, it is better to leave the chunky cubes alone. If chewing ice has affected your jaw or teeth, contact us immediately. In some cases, oral surgery may be recommended for TMD. If you chew ice and have TMD then, you need to give up the habit permanently. Give us a call today for any oral surgical recommendations or to arrange a consultation and exam.
