Chewing on ice is a common habit, but it’s not a good one. Although it may feel satisfying to crush ice cubes between your teeth, every time you do it you risk scratching your enamel, chipping a tooth, or worse. Here’s why you need to break the habit, and what you should do if you’re constantly craving ice.
Four Ways Ice Can Damage Your Teeth
- Ice can chip away at your enamel as you chew, making it easier for cavities to form.
- Jagged pieces of ice can irritate your gums and make them more vulnerable to the infections that cause gum disease.
- The pressure can chip or crack your teeth, exposing the dentin inside. You might not feel any pain at first, but the damage could be serious.
- Chewing on ice can also damage or dislodge dental fillings, crowns, and other restorations. If you lose a crown or filling, you need to make an urgent appointment.
Craving Ice Might Be a Sign of Something Else
If you’re wondering why you’re craving ice in the first place, there could be a medical reason.
For instance, pica is a disorder that causes an insatiable desire to eat substances with no nutritional value, such as sand or ice. Iron deficiency anemia can also make people crave ice. Both pica and anemia can cause cravings for ice during pregnancy.
If you can’t stop eating ice, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the possible causes.
How to Break the Habit of Chewing on Ice
If chewing on the ice in your drinks is simply a way to self-soothe, there are other things you can do to fulfill the same need.
- When cold sensations are what you’re after, let the ice melt in your mouth instead of crunching through it. Or try straining the ice out when you pour your chilled drink into an insulated mug.
- When it’s the crunching you crave, healthy foods like carrot sticks, apple slices, or cucumber slices are much better for your teeth. Crunchy snacks like roasted nuts or tortilla chips with fresh salsa can also help satisfy the urge.
Never Ignore Tooth Pain!
A dull, persistent ache or a sudden pain when biting down could be a sign of a cracked or chipped tooth. And if your iced drinks are causing tooth sensitivity, you might have a cavity or exposed dentin from receding gums.
The damage from chewing on ice isn’t always noticeable at first, but if you start feeling pain, don’t ignore the signs. Contact Country Club Dental in Flagstaff and we’ll get you scheduled for an exam and treatment right away.
Photo by Lanju Fotografie on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 5/10/2026.
