Because of the heat, of boredom or simply out of habit: many of us have already crunched in an ice cube. A generally safe drive, but which can sometimes lead to certain risks, warns Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical.
Dental problems can arise
“Chewing ice cubes can damage the enamel of the teeth, cause microcoffreation or even break a tooth, especially if you have plots or crowns. In addition, intense cold can irritate nerves and cause dental hypersensitivity”, underlines Dr Gérald Kierzek.
A risk of suffocation exists, especially in children
“An ice cube can slide into the throat and obstruct the respiratory tract, especially in young children”, he warns.
The desire to eat ice cubes can reveal an iron deficiency
“The compulsive desire to eat ice cubes (pagophagy) is sometimes linked to ferriprive anemia. If this habit is accompanied by fatigue, pallor or dizziness, consult a doctor to perform a blood test”, advises the medical director of True Medical.
Light digestive disorders may appear
“Excessive consumption of ice cubes can cause stomach aches or bloating, as the body must spend energy to warm ice water”, reveals Dr Gérald Kierzek.
A bacterial risk may exist if the ice cubes are contaminated
“When the ice cubes are poorly preserved or prepared with non -potable water (especially in bars or restaurants), they can contain bacteria such as E. coli. It is therefore preferable to consume homemade ice cubes made from drinking water”, underlines the practitioner.
Some practical tips
- Prefer to suck the ice creams rather than bite them, to preserve your teeth;
- Replace them with softer alternatives such as frozen fruits (grapes, watermelon) or water ice;
- Consult a healthcare professional if this desire becomes compulsive, in order to check a possible deficiency.
“In summary, eating ice cubes from time to time is not problematic, but it is better to avoid making it a frequent habit!”, concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.