Whether at a restaurant or at home, do you enjoy chewing on ice left over at the bottom of your cup? The crunch may satisfy you, or you may enjoy the cooling sensation it offers. However, this seemingly harmless habit isn’t as innocent. In fact, it can impact your oral health greatly if you aren’t careful. Here’s what to know and tips to protect your smile from trouble.
How Chewing Ice Impacts Your Smile
Ice is cold, but it’s also hard and brittle. When you bite down on it with your teeth, it causes tiny cracks to form in your enamel. They might be small and not much of an issue at first, but they open the door to more severe cracks and damage. Not only that, but as your enamel’s integrity is weakened, you also risk cavities or infections.
Restorations, like crowns or veneers, aren’t safe from this habit either. The pressure from biting on ice can lead to chips, cracks, or looseness. You may need to get a replacement much sooner than expected, so you may end up with an unexpected bill to get back a renewed grin.
Tips to Break Your Ice-Chewing Habits
If you are an ice chewer, then breaking this habit can avoid trouble for your smile. Here are a few things you can try:
- Talk to your physician to see if there’s an underlying cause. For instance, iron deficiency can lead to this, so giving your body the minerals it needs can help you stop.
- Let the ice cube melt or suck it. That way, you get the cooling effect without the damage.
- Consider slushies, shaved ice, and other frozen treats. They have other ingredients in them, making them much softer. However, the sugar content can lead to decay, so rinse with water after eating them.
- Get light ice or none at all. That way, there’s less to chew.
By trying out these tips, you may lessen how often you chew on ice. While you might miss this habit on some occasions, your smile will thank you in the long run.
About the Practice
Want to protect your oral health? Our team at Frandsen Dental of West Jordan is dedicated to helping patients spot the early warning signs of dental problems. Our compassionate dentists will offer the reliable solutions they need; that way, they get the treatment that will give back a strong grin. If you want to make sure chewing ice isn’t harming your teeth, schedule an appointment or call our office at 801-890-0030.