Eating slate pencil is a harmful habit that can cause several diseases and side effects. Here are some of the diseases caused by eating slate pencil:
- Acute acidity: Slate pencils contain calcium carbonate, which can cause acute acidity.
- Mouth Ulcer: Chewing slate pencils damages the inner lining of the mouth, which can lead to mouth ulcers.
- Tooth Damage: Slate pencils remove the enamel coating from teeth, which can cause tooth damage.
- Malnutrition: Slate pencils include several hazardous ingredients, including lead and carbon, which can cause malnutrition in children and pregnant women.
- Kidney stones: Eating slate pencils can cause acute and chronic renal failure, which can lead to kidney stones.
- Abdominal problems: Slate pencils can cause abdominal pain, constipation, and obstruction in the bowels.
In addition to these diseases, eating slate pencil can also cause loss of appetite, digestive difficulties, and lead poisoning. Slate pencils are entirely insoluble in water, and chewing them damages the inner lining of your mouth. It also has a negative impact on the taste buds, tongue, and entire mouth cavity. As a consequence, you cannot consume spicy, hot or sour meals and hot beverages.
It is important to note that eating slate pencil is a medical disorder known as PICA, which is characterized by an appetite for largely non-nutritive substances. If you have this disorder, it is important to determine and address the nutritional deficiency that is causing you to eat chalk. Once you no longer have a deficiency, your body will stop craving chalk, and the habit will stop on its own. It is also recommended to consult a physician to get rid of this habit.