When you finish your drink, do you ever find yourself automatically reaching into the cup and picking up an ice cube or two to chew on? Plenty of people fall into this habit before they know it, especially during the summer. On the surface, it may seem harmless and can even be a handy way to cool off. However, the reality is that it could lead to a dental emergency if you aren’t careful. Your dentist is here to explain the dangers of chewing on ice and how you can stop yourself from doing it.
What are the Consequences of Chewing on Ice?
While your teeth can stand up to all kinds of foods, they’re not meant to be used to chew anything as hard or rigid as ice. As a result, if you habitually bite down on ice cubes, you could end up wearing down and weakening your enamel. Not only does this increase your risk for tooth decay, but your teeth might eventually become chipped or cracked, causing you to need emergency care.
Additionally, if you’re currently wearing a filling or crown, you need to avoid exposing them to too much stress. If you chew on ice too much, you may end up needing to have your restoration replaced sooner than you planned.
How Can You Give Up Chewing Ice?
Breaking any kind of bad habit can be tricky, but it can be easier if you’re able to replace it with a better habit. Here are a few things you can do that can help you give up ice chewing:
- Let the Ice Melt Instead: Ice cubes are only bad for your teeth if you bite down on them; they’re harmless if you just let them melt. Plus, this approach lets you keep the ice in your mouth longer – which can be a very good thing when you’re trying to beat the heat.
- Stay Away from Ice Altogether: If you find that the temptation to chew ice is just too strong, the best thing you can do is avoid it as much as you can. The next time you order a drink at a restaurant, ask for no ice.
- Crunch on Something More Tooth-Friendly: There are plenty of things you can crunch on that won’t cause unnecessary damage to your enamel. Try replacing ice cubes with carrot sticks, apples, or cucumber slices.
Your dentist may have some further suggestions for breaking your ice-chewing habit, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you need help. It always pays to be mindful of what’s going on in your mouth so that you can avoid doing anything that puts your smile at unnecessary risk.
About the Author
Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr. wants all of his patients to be able to enjoy high-quality dental services at an affordable price. He has made a point of keeping up to date with the latest breakthroughs in dental techniques and technology. At Meadowbrook Dentistry in Plainview, he’s happy to welcome patients who need emergency care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Casañas, visit his website or call (516) 346-5655.