Question 1

why do i need to chew ice alot?

Accepted Answer

Habit: We need to eat, and drink water, and breathe.  Feeling one must chew ice or some other nonessential behavior means it may have risen to a habit or even a compulsion.  Compulsions usually interfer with activities and tend to produce a lot of anxiety if they are nto performed.  Clincial psychologists can help with habits and compulsions with cognitive behavioral techniques.

Question 2

how come i have a compulsion to chew ice alot?

Accepted Answer

Several possibilitie: A compulsion to chew ice can be simply a bad habit, an anxious behavior, or the result of a vitamin/mineral deficiency. Try making a journal of the times when you want to do it, what's going on at the time, etc. Look for any patterns that might help you determine the cause. Either way it is important to stop the behavior as it can damage your teeth over time. Short term counseling may help stop.

Question 3

is it possible for chewing on ice to cause trismus?

Accepted Answer

Not generally: Trismus is limited opening of the lower jaw, usually caused by muscle spasm, a jaw joint disorder or an infection of the jaw. Chewing ice is not good for your teeth or your jaw, but i don't think it would commonly cause true trismus.

Question 4

is ice chewing a symptom of anemia?

Accepted Answer

PICA: In medicine we call "pica" to the strong desire to eat or drink very unusual substances or foods. Children and adults with pica may eat:
animal feces, clay, dirt, hairballs, ice, paint, sand.This pattern of eating should last 1 mo.In pregnancy, in childhood, and in malnourished populations is more common.It is true that  iron or zinc deficiency could be present but could also be psycological.

Question 5

is chewing on ice harmful to your teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I have had several patients who keep breaking their teeth and their crowns from habitually chewing on ice. Do it at your own peril.

Question 6

can there be a medical condition that warrants someone to chew ice?

Accepted Answer

PICA: This can be related to pica. Sometimes there is an underlying nutritional deficiency.

Question 7

i drink about 4 160z cups a water a day and after i'm done drinking, chew on a lot of ice. is it okay for my health?

Accepted Answer

Drinking water: Four 16 ounce glasses of water a day should be okay for the average individual.  Try substituting some drinks with electrolytes especially during the hot summer.  Eating a lot of ice can be associated with other problems such as iron deficiency anemia. It would be best to discuss this with your primary care provider.

Question 8

7 mnths pregnant i began chewing on ice, my babys about to be 2 mnths old&i cant stop chewing on ice, what's wrong with me? i go crazy with out ice.

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency: The symptom you have is call Pica, and iron deficiency is the most likely cause.  See your doctor, get lab tests to check blood counts and iron levels.  Please don't just start taking iron without getting evaluated.

Question 9

does chewing ice cause anemia?

Accepted Answer

No but related: Ice chewing called pagophagia is caused by iron deficiency and can be fixed quickly with iron supplements. Iron deficiency is usually due to blood loss of some sort.  You should see a doctor to find out about the blood loss which may indicate a much more serious issue.

Question 10

i always have the strong urge to chew things like ice, straws, & my cheeks & nails, & it's not just a nervous habit. could there be a medical reason?

Accepted Answer

Habit: This is just habit and you need to refrain from betting your cheeks or your nails

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Dogs chewing ice cubes

A member asked:

Why do i need to chew ice alot?

A member asked:

How come i have a compulsion to chew ice alot?

A member asked:

Is it possible for chewing on ice to cause trismus?

A member asked:

Is ice chewing a symptom of anemia?

A member asked:

Is chewing on ice harmful to your teeth?

A member asked:

Can there be a medical condition that warrants someone to chew ice?

A member asked:

I drink about 4 160z cups a water a day and after i'm done drinking, chew on a lot of ice. is it okay for my health?

A member asked:

7 mnths pregnant i began chewing on ice, my babys about to be 2 mnths old&i cant stop chewing on ice, what's wrong with me? i go crazy with out ice.

A member asked:

Does chewing ice cause anemia?

A member asked:

I always have the strong urge to chew things like ice, straws, & my cheeks & nails, & it's not just a nervous habit. could there be a medical reason?

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