When you finish your glass of water or iced coffee, is your first instinct to chew on the leftover ice in your cup? You aren’t alone. A lot of people do this, and it is a great way to cool down if you are feeling warm in the spring or summer weather. However, this isn’t necessarily the best idea. It can cause harm to your smile. Continue reading to learn why chewing on ice is so harmful and some alternative activities that you can partake in instead.
Why Is Chewing on Ice So Bad?
When you chew on ice, you can crack or chip your teeth. It also damages your enamel over time, causing you to experience increased sensitivity to foods and beverages that are particularly hot or cold. It can even damage dental restorations that you already have, like dental fillings, crowns, veneers, and dental implants. Ultimately, this is a good thing to avoid all together in order to prevent a dental emergency in the future.
What Can You Do Instead?
Just like any other habit, chewing on ice can be very difficult to stop doing. Here are some tips that may help you drop this bad habit for good:
- Discover why you do it: Sometimes, the urge to chew ice comes from an iron deficiency. This is something to discuss with your doctor. You may benefit from incorporating more foods into your diet that are high in iron or an iron supplement.
- Let it melt: If it is the cold, refreshing temperature of the ice that you enjoy, just allow it to melt in your mouth. This way, you can still have the sensation of the ice in your mouth without risking your dental health.
- Munch on slush: Instead of crunching on hard, solid cubes of ice, try a softer version that is less likely to harm your smile, like slush or shaved ice.
- Crunch on veggies: If it is the crunch that you like, you can find this in other things that are good for you, like baby carrots, cucumber slices, or apple slices. These foods stimulate saliva production, therefore benefiting your oral health.
- Skip the ice: If you really don’t think that you can resist the temptation, try ordering your beverages without ice.
Chewing ice is a popular habit, but not a harmless one. By following the tips above, you may be able to avoid a dental emergency in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Khushboo Gandhi is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for 15 years! After graduating with her dental degree in India, she moved to the United States and began the Advanced Education program for international dentists at the Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Currently she is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Murphy, TX, visit her website or call (972) 532-6506.