When you get to the bottom of your iced tea, soda, or other cold beverage, do you feel the urge to crunch down on it? This common habit seems to be one of the best ways for you to cool yourself down on a hot summer day. However, this isn’t a good idea when it comes to your oral health. Chewing on ice can damage your teeth. Read on to learn about some of the negative consequences of chewing on ice as well as some things you can do to give it up.
Why Is Chewing on Ice Harmful?
When you crunch down on an ice cube, you can chip or crack your teeth. It can wear your enamel down over time causing you to experience tooth sensitivity. You could even end up accidentally damaging dental restorations, like fillings, crowns, veneers, and dental implants. In the end, it isn’t worth the risk because you don’t want to be left with a dental emergency to deal with.
How Can You Quit Chewing on Ice?
Just like any other habit, chewing on ice can be very difficult to stop. Here are a few tips to help you give it up:
- Understand why you do it: Figure out the particular reason why you like to do this. For some people, the urge to munch on ice stems from an iron deficiency. This is something you should discuss with your doctor. You may benefit from a diet that is higher in iron.
- Allow the ice to melt: If it’s the coldness of the ice that you enjoy, you could just let it melt on your tongue. You don’t necessarily need to bite down on it to experience the refreshing feeling.
- Have an ice slush: Choose a soft form of ice to chew on. Just like shaved ice or a slush. This won’t put your smile at risk nearly as much.
- Eat crunchy vegetables: Do you like the crunch of the ice? Try munching on cucumber or carrots instead. You will even get some essential nutrients.
- Avoid ice entirely: If you don’t think that you can resist the temptation, just order your drinks without ice.
You don’t want to end up with a cracked or broken tooth. Instead, try some of the tips listed above so you can discontinue your ice chewing habit. This way, you can keep your smile healthy!
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for over 25 years so far. He earned his dental doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina and has completed over 600 hours of continuing education since then. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. For more information or to schedule a visit at his office in Conway, visit his website or call (843) 488-4357.