M.Y. Dental Spa offers caring, compassionate, and comprehensive dental care for patients in the Midtown Manhattan area. The dental team at this general and cosmetic dentistry practice has a strong commitment to ensuring that all patients receive the care they need for a beautiful smile while feeling as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The team at M.Y. Dental Spa offers more than 20 years of experience in dentistry, along with pain-free dental care and a welcoming environment. 

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As you habitually chew away on the leftover ice from your water, did you happen to think of what would happen if you bit down the wrong way? or better yet, what’s happening as the ice constantly chomps down on your teeth? Probably not. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Mimi Yeung of M.Y. Dental Spa in New York City commonly sees the dental problems associated with chewing ice.

Chewing ice also referred to as pagophagia in some more intense cases, can signify a nutritional deficiency or underlying health condition. Ice chewing is only referred to as pagophagia when there is an intense craving to chew ice cubes or ice chips frequently. Anemia is one of the most common deficiencies associated with the condition since chewing ice reportedly makes anemic people feel more alert. However, chewing ice can also signify an emotional problem like stress or obsessive-compulsive disorder. While the act of chewing on ice might seem harmless, Dr. Yeung reveals that this habit can do quite a bit of damage to your teeth.

Some examples of dental problems caused by chewing ice:

• Chipped/cracked teeth
• Damage to tooth enamel
• Tired/sore jaw
• Damaged dental work, including crowns, filling, etc.

To avoid additional damage to your teeth, Dr. Yeung advises swapping out the ice for an alternative like baby carrots, celery sticks, or sugar-free gum. Additionally, consider consulting your doctor to see if your fixation on ice chewing could be linked to any underlying issues.

If you’re in the New York City area, visit Dr. Mimi Yeung’s dental spa in Midtown East for help with any of your dental needs to help gain confidence in your smile. Dr. Yeung specializes in cosmetic dentistry and offers various services, including Invisalign, holistic gum treatment, and more.