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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 27-Nov-2007, 01:23
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Default ice cubes

I think you have a bad habit chewing on ice cubes.

What does the text in bold mean?
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Old 27-Nov-2007, 01:33
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Default Re: ice cubes

Its meaning is literal. Some people here in America like to chew on ice. Most ice chewers chew the crushed or shaved ice that comes in fast-food sodas, although I've seen people chew the large freezer-type cubes. It's really annoying to the people around them, but the chewers don't seem to notice or care. Furthermore, it is an excellent way to permanently damage your teeth/
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Old 27-Nov-2007, 01:36
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Default Re: ice cubes

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Originally Posted by mykwyner View Post
Its meaning is literal. Some people here in America like to chew on ice. Most ice chewers chew the crushed or shaved ice that comes in fast-food sodas, although I've seen people chew the large freezer-type cubes. It's really annoying to the people around them, but the chewers don't seem to notice or care. Furthermore, it is an excellent way to permanently damage your teeth/
Thanks Myk.

I wouldn't do that.
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Old 27-Nov-2007, 04:56
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Default Re: ice cubes

Did you know that the urge to chew ice is a main symptom of some disease? I can't remember now what it is. It could be something as simple as anemia, but while for some people, it's just an annoying habit, for others, it could be a sign of something serious!
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Old 27-Nov-2007, 20:50
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Default Re: ice cubes

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Originally Posted by Barb_D View Post
Did you know that the urge to chew ice is a main symptom of some disease? I can't remember now what it is. It could be something as simple as anemia, but while for some people, it's just an annoying habit, for others, it could be a sign of something serious!
Really!?
I hope you could find out what it is. And tell me right away, someone I know may be suffering from this.
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Old 28-Nov-2007, 01:42
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Default Re: ice cubes

It is anemia - an iron deficiency. I looked it up just after I posted.
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Old 28-Nov-2007, 01:50
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Default Re: ice cubes

I know anemia but I never thought it is being associated with this bad habit. I wouldn't think that all those who are anemic chew on ice though.
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Old 28-Nov-2007, 04:16
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Default Re: ice cubes

Apparently, with anemia, it's not a "bad habit" but a compulsion. i think it was something like 30-40% of the people with anemia have this symptom. I learned that "pica" means the compulsion to eat things that are not food. The compulsion to eat ice in particular is called something specific that I don't remember. If you do this, it can't hurt to have your blood checked out.
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