When you finish a drink, do you munch on the leftover ice at the bottom of the glass? It’s a good way to keep you cool, but this habit can be trouble for your oral health if you aren’t careful. It’s not as harmless as it seems, but what exactly can it do to your teeth? Here’s what you should know and tips to stop it to save your smile.
How Can Chewing Ice Affect My Oral Health?
Although ice is a great way to keep your beverages cold, it’s hard and brittle. By eating it consistently, you cause tiny cracks to develop in your enamel. While this might not be an issue at first, the damage can become bigger until it’s more serious. You also increase your risk of other dental problems, like cavities and infections.
If you have restorations, like crowns or veneers, then they can also be affected. The pressure force needed to bite them can cause chips, cracks, or even looseness. That means you’ll need to get a replacement sooner than expected, which can be an unexpected bill you might not be excited to pay.
What Can I Do to Stop Chewing Ice?
Since chewing ice can be trouble, you might struggle to break this habit if you’ve done it for so long. Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can try, such as
- Talk with your physician to see if there’s an underlying issue, like an iron deficiency. By getting the minerals and nutrients, you might naturally stop.
- Let the ice cube melt in your mouth or suck it. This can give you the cooling feeling you’re after without the risk of damage.
- Consider switching to slushies or shaved ice. They are softer because of the additives, but beware of the sugar content. Rinse with water after eating them.
- If you like the crunch, then have fresh fruits and vegetables, like carrots, cucumbers, or apples. They are also nutritious.
- Don’t use any ice, or use very little. That way, if you are tempted to chew it, there’s not much.
By adding the tips above into your routine, you might be able to break this habit. That way, you protect your smile from any trouble and avoid dental emergencies.
About the Practice
Suddenly chipped your tooth? Our team at Timber Dental is dedicated to helping patients with same-day urgent visits. Led by compassionate dentists, we can get to the bottom of the issue and hand and give you an effective solution. That way, you get back your confident grin in no time. If you need help breaking your ice-chewing habits, schedule an appointment or call our Northeast Portland office at (503) 765-7355.