Is your ice chewing habit hiding health problems beyond your teeth?

Dental and medical experts warn that chronic ice chewing, while common, may damage teeth and signal potential underlying health conditions.

According to dental health professionals, the habit can cause dental damage, ranging from cracked enamel to fractured teeth, particularly in people with existing dental vulnerabilities.

"Even though enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it still can get damaged by repeatedly chewing something that is hard, and ice definitely falls into that category," said Holly Shaw, assistant professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

Ice chewing belongs to a category of behaviors known as oral parafunctional activities, which include tooth grinding, lip biting, thumb sucking, and other repetitive actions of the mouth. Up to 90 percent of the population engages in such behaviors, often due to stress or anxiety.

Alec Eidelman, lecturer on oral health policy and epidemiology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, said these habits can cause lasting damage. "These oral parafunctional habits by themselves for healthy teeth may not always be damaging and harmful. But when teeth are compromised or at risk for any number of different reasons, then it becomes a little bit more dangerous," he said.

People with misaligned bites or older dental work face higher risks of damage from ice chewing. Chewing ice or other hard things could also stress teeth and cause pain in the gums. The size and hardness of ice also matter—large, hard chunks pose greater risks than crushed ice or slush. "So you get that soothing, focusing effect of chewing something crunchy without it being as traumatic," Shaw said. 

Medical experts note that persistent ice chewing may indicate underlying health issues. The behavior known as pagophagia has been linked to iron deficiency. Shaw recommends that people who consistently crave ice should consult their healthcare providers.

Dental professionals suggest drinking through straws, chewing sugar-free gum, or eating crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery for those seeking alternatives to ice chewing.

While occasional ice chewing may not harm healthy teeth, experts advise against the habit, particularly for those with existing dental issues. They recommend softer ice forms, such as slush, for those who continue the practice.

The compulsion to chew ice or consume items with no nutritional value may signal health problems requiring medical attention. Healthcare providers recommend discussing persistent ice cravings with medical professionals to identify potential underlying conditions.