Is Chewing Ice Damaging Your Teeth?

Chewing ice might seem like a harmless habit, especially on a hot summer day or after finishing a cold drink. But in reality, it can be surprisingly damaging to your oral health.

Ice is a crystal—hard, brittle, and unforgiving. When chewed, it creates a powerful force between your upper and lower teeth. Over time, this can lead to microfractures in the enamel, the tooth’s hard outer shell. These tiny cracks weaken the tooth’s structure and make it more vulnerable to sensitivity, cavities, and more serious fractures.

Common Dental Issues Caused by Chewing Ice

Tooth Fractures

62%

Enamel Erosion

48%

Gum Irritation

33%

Jaw Pain

27%

Dental Work Damage

54%

The chart highlights the most common dental problems linked to chewing ice. Tooth fractures are the most frequent, followed by damage to previous dental work and enamel erosion. Understanding these risks helps prevent long-term oral health issues.

Why Do People Chew Ice?

This behavior, known as pagophagia, is sometimes a subconscious response to boredom or stress. In certain cases, it’s linked to iron deficiency anemia—a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 15% of people with anemia report compulsively chewing ice.

Dental Risks of Ice Chewing

Here’s what chewing ice can do to your mouth:

Dental Issue	Description	Risk Level (1-10)
Enamel Erosion	Ice wears down the protective layer of teeth.	7
Cracked/Chipped Teeth	Ice can cause hairline fractures or break teeth.	8
Damaged Dental Work	Fillings, crowns, and veneers are vulnerable to cracking from hard ice.	9
Gum Injury	Sharp edges of ice may irritate or injure soft tissues.	6
Tooth Sensitivity	Enamel damage can lead to nerve exposure, increasing sensitivity.	7

Incidence of Cracked Teeth: Ice Chewers vs. Non-Chewers

Ice Chewers

37%

Non-Chewers

11%

This chart compares the annual incidence of cracked teeth between individuals who regularly chew ice and those who do not. Ice chewers are over three times more likely to experience tooth fractures, emphasizing the potential dental risks of this habit.

Real Cases in the U.S.

A 34-year-old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, who routinely chewed ice during her office hours, developed severe enamel erosion and chipped two molars. Her dentist recommended immediate crowns and discussed the underlying cause—an iron deficiency confirmed by blood tests.

Close-up of jaw pain caused by chewing ice, suggesting nerve sensitivity and dental erosion

Another case involved a 42-year-old male teacher from Raleigh, North Carolina, who began chewing ice habitually to stay awake during long grading sessions. Within a year, he experienced severe jaw pain and sensitivity when eating. A dental exam revealed multiple stress fractures in his premolars. He required three onlays and a night guard to prevent further damage.

A 28-year-old nurse in Chicago, Illinois, shared her struggle with compulsive ice chewing during hospital night shifts. She thought it was a harmless way to stay alert, but eventually noticed her front teeth thinning and becoming translucent. Her dentist linked it to chronic enamel wear and recommended fluoride varnish treatments and iron testing—which revealed mild anemia she hadn’t known about. “I thought I was just quirky,” she said. “Turns out, it was a warning sign I never saw coming.”

Diagnostic Options

If you’re an ice chewer, it might be worth getting a dental and medical evaluation. Here’s how professionals approach it:

Dental Exam and X-rays
Method: In-office visual exam and digital radiography.
Accuracy: 9/10
Average Cost: $100–$250
Iron Blood Panel
Method: Blood draw to check ferritin and hemoglobin levels.
Accuracy: 10/10
Average Cost: $30–$100
Bite Analysis (Occlusal Testing)
Method: Digital scan or pressure-sensitive paper used to assess bite stress.
Accuracy: 8/10
Average Cost: $150–$300

Innovative Treatments and Solutions

Thanks to advances in dentistry, solutions for ice-damaged teeth have become more effective and accessible:

Enamel Remineralization Gels: Products like GC MI Paste and Fluoridex help restore enamel strength.
How to Apply: Use a small amount nightly after brushing, ideally under a custom tray or by finger application.
Duration: 5–10 minutes per use, 2–4 weeks.
Effectiveness: 7/10 for mild enamel damage.
Cost: $20–$40 per tube.
Sensation: Slightly chalky or minty; non-irritating.
High-Strength Porcelain Crowns: Brands like E.max and BruxZir offer durable solutions for broken or cracked teeth.
Process: Requires two dental visits—one for prep and temporary crown, and one for permanent fitting.
Duration: 1–2 hours per visit; about 2 weeks total.
Effectiveness: 9/10 for restoring function and aesthetics.
Cost: $1,000–$1,800 per crown.
Sensation: Feels like a natural tooth after final placement.

Desensitizing Treatments: Colgate’s Professional Sensitivity Relief formula and in-office fluoride varnishes provide quick relief.
Application: Applied professionally every 3–6 months, or daily at home for toothpaste versions.
Duration: 2–5 minutes per session.
Effectiveness: 6/10 to 8/10 depending on severity.
Cost: $15–$50 for OTC; $50–$100 in-office.
Sensation: Immediate cooling or tingling relief.
Behavioral Therapy and Supplements: In cases of pagophagia, iron supplementation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce the compulsion to chew ice.
Treatment Plan: Oral iron (ferrous sulfate 325 mg daily) or IV infusion, paired with weekly CBT.
Duration: 1–3 months for iron repletion; 6–12 weeks for CBT.
Effectiveness: 8/10 when combined.
Cost: $10–$50 for supplements; $80–$150 per therapy session.
Sensation: Noticeable reduction in cravings after 2–4 weeks.

Enamel remineralization gel on bathroom counter, used for repairing teeth after chewing ice and enamel erosion

Tips to Break the Habit

Keep sugar-free gum or crunchy veggies (like baby carrots) on hand: These alternatives provide the oral stimulation many people seek from chewing ice. Gum, especially xylitol-based varieties, helps with saliva production and oral hygiene. Crunchy vegetables offer a satisfying texture without the risk of tooth damage. Effectiveness: 7/10. Ease: Very easy and convenient.

Drink chilled water instead of chewing ice: This satisfies the craving for something cold without stressing your teeth. Adding a slice of citrus or cucumber can also enhance the experience. Effectiveness: 6/10. Ease: Very easy.
Use crushed ice if you must: Smaller, softer pieces reduce the mechanical pressure on your teeth compared to large cubes. This method is less harmful but still not ideal. Try letting the crushed ice melt slightly before chewing. Effectiveness: 5/10. Ease: Moderate—depends on availability of crushed ice.

Editorial Advice

Reyus Mammadli, healthcare advisor, recommends anyone with a frequent ice-chewing habit to take it seriously: “It’s not just a quirk—it could be your body trying to tell you something. Have your iron levels checked and speak with your dentist about tooth preservation options.”

Average Dental Repair Costs Due to Ice-Chewing Damage (USD)

Procedure	Average Cost (USD)
Filling	$200
Crown	$1,200
Root Canal	$1,500
Veneer	$1,100
Extraction	$300

This chart shows the average cost in USD for various dental procedures caused by damage from chewing ice. Root canals and crowns represent the most expensive treatments, while fillings and extractions are more affordable but still contribute to high long-term expenses.

The damage from chewing ice might not show up overnight, but over the years, it takes a toll. By understanding the risks and acting early, you can keep your smile strong and healthy.