I have a close friend who loves to chew ice whenever she gets the chance.... all the time to be exact. Anyway, I would like to know whether this practice has any side effects on the body. I am concerned because I vaguely remember reading though a column (Dear Abby or Ann Landers) a few years back, and finding that ice chewing causes iron deficiency. I am not certain this is true, but I am eager to know. Any other facts would be very much appreciated! Thanks.
2006-06-18 23:31:41 · 9 answers · asked by Liquid Melancholy Dreams 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
You're almost right.
The compulsion of chewing ice cubes is related to iron deficiency ( it's not the cause of it, rather is a consequence of it).
Usually people with anemia will have the urge to chew ice.
You should advise your friend to make a blood test to check if she has anemia.
In the meantime, you might tell her to soften the ice in a glass of water for a bit before the chomping. It helps keep the teeth and fillings from breaking.
I hope this can help you a bit!
Cheers,
Claire ;P
2006-06-18 23:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by always.claire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember a few years back I was ALWAYS chewing ice.....I even fell to sleep with big glass of ice by my bed :) I guess I just kinda grew out of it, I am 20 now and haven't had any for a while....hmmmm come to think of it I think I might go get some :) LOL
I do remember my dad telling me not to.....but I'm not really sure why lol. My brother-in-law is a dentist, and he says DONT chew on ice, because the cold/hard combo is bad for your teeth....
Nothing bad ever happened to me, besides the occasional toungue/lip/cheek injury (chomp down on a part of my mouth instead of the ice cube lol )
I'd say as long as thats not ALL your friend is eating, it should be fine :)
2006-06-18 23:40:24 · answer #2 · answered by ksnewber 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend might also ask her doctor about Sjogren's syndrome. I have a blood relative who has this, which is characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth, and she is always chewing ice. However, her iron levels are extremely high--she also has a condition called hemochromatosis, and has to have periodic phlebotomies to lower her blood iron level. I don't know what relation the high iron might have to a desire to chew ice, but you might suggest your friend get her blood ferratin level checked.
2006-06-19 00:01:26 · answer #3 · answered by Pastor Chad from JesusFreak.com 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never heard of such a thing, but who knows...just got to do more research on it. But I have heard that chewing ice is a sign of being sex deprived....but who knows if that's true either.
2006-06-18 23:35:39 · answer #4 · answered by Sweetbulbs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i used to work for a dentist, and patients would come in with chipped teeth from crunching on ice. Be careful!
2006-06-18 23:35:28 · answer #5 · answered by babycakeys122 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was pregnant the doctor told me it was a sign of low iron.
2006-06-18 23:42:04 · answer #6 · answered by Raych 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chewing ice will crack your teeth
2006-06-18 23:35:29 · answer #7 · answered by goodbye 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your fren wants to show those guys to beware or they will end up losing a very precious "piece".
2006-06-18 23:40:14 · answer #8 · answered by The Jungle Taipan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Little, teensy, bitty teeth!
2006-06-18 23:34:27 · answer #9 · answered by Mr. Sacamoco 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋