Is Chewing Ice Bad for Your Teeth?

Even though ice is made of water, chewing it can cause extreme damage to the enamel of your teeth. Many people mindlessly chew on the ice after finishing a drink or simply to cool off the summer heat. It’s a common habit that isn’t impossible to break. You can try out some effective ways to get rid of the habit.

Why is Chewing Ice Bad for Your Teeth?

Chewing ice can cause more than just the chipping or breaking of a tooth. People frequently crack their tooth enamel without realizing it. It will lead to tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, cracked fillings, broken veneers, a damaged cap or crown, and more such issues.

Chewing on ice can seriously harm your wires, brackets, and aligner trays, especially if you have braces. Hence, it makes sense to get rid of the habit as soon as possible. You can also visit an dentist in Carrollwood in the case of any dental emergencies; they will assist you in achieving a beautiful and healthy smile.

Methods to Stop the Habit of Chewing Ice

Every problem has a solution. Here are a few solutions that might help you break this bad habit once and for all.

  • Make Ice Slushy 

Better than whole ice cubes is crushed ice that has been fruit-infused. When it hits your teeth, ice slushiest essentially turn into water, making them a perfect substitute for large frozen cubes. Overall, satisfying your cravings for ice cubes.

  • Use Inedible Ice Cubes

There are alternatives that you can’t put in, such as plastic balls that can be frozen or even frosted glass, but they can fulfill your need to consume ice. It keeps your drink cool without pressuring you to consume it.

  • Switch to Health Snacks   

You might crave something crunchy on certain days; during those times, you can change to apple slices, carrots, or any other crunchy options. It is totally natural and a better option than ice. Plus, it also helps you to consume proper nutrients that don’t put your teeth at risk of breaking.

  • Chewing Gum

If chewing ice is a mindless activity you do, why not opt for gum instead? This will keep your mouth occupied and will also help exercise your jaw. Overall, promoting better health for your teeth.

The dangers of Chewing Ice

Ice chewing can result in expensive bills if you end up cracking a tooth or harming your dental treatment. Here are a few more side effects of ice that might make you rethink your ice-chewing habits:

  • Damage Tooth Enamel

One of the most obvious effects of chewing on ice is the thinning of your teeth’s enamel. The more the enamel is worn away, the more prone your teeth are to developing cavities, breaking, and other dental problems.

  • Destroy Oral Appliances

If you have braces or retainers on, chewing on ice can cause damage to your oral appliances. The braces are at risk of wire breakage or even damaging brackets, which can result in an expensive trip to your orthodontist. Hence, if you or your kid has an oral appliance, you need to make it clear in order to understand.

  • Chip Teeth

Even though teeth are hard and sturdy, they aren’t made to crunch on hard surfaces like ice. Chewing on ice can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, resulting in an emergency dental visit to repair your broken tooth.

In case of an emergency, try to save the remnants of the tooth in a small milk bag and immediately consult the nearest dentist. Acting on time might repair a fractured tooth.

  • Damage Dental Fillings

If you have dental crowns or dental fillings near you in your mouth, chewing ice can cause serious damage. Chewing ice has the potential to easily dislodge or crack materials used in dental fillings, which are also susceptible to damage. Plus, losing a filling requires an immediate trip to the dentist for a repair.

  • Increases Sensitivity

Ice could be the reason why you already have sensitive teeth. It is because repeated exposure to high-temperature changes, like chewing ice, impairs the nerves inside your teeth.

  • Causes Jaw Soreness & Headaches

Chewing ice can also cause different types of irritation to your body. Headaches and jaw soreness could be among them. When you bite down on the ice, it results in headaches. However, there are many exercises you can do to ease tension, parallel to what you might experience with teeth grinding.

In case of Emergency, reach out to dentist in Carrollwood

Ice can cause serious damage to your teeth and your overall dental health. It will further result in severe oral issues and frequent dental visits. Hence, to avoid such problems and keep your oral health intact, avoid eating ice. You can reach our professional dental team to get some help.

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