Chewing ice is a habit that many of us are guilty of doing (or at least have done) – especially during them warm summer days. It’s cool, incredibly refreshing and satisfying.
However, here’s the thing – chewing on ice is not cool for your teeth. Like with hard foods, chewing ice can take a toll on your teeth, enamel, gums and dental restorations (if you have any).
If you are going uh-oh right now, it’s time to break the habit of chewing ice!
Why Chewing Ice is Bad for Your Teeth?
- Damages Your Tooth Enamel: The enamel is the outer layer of your teeth which acts as a protective shield against bacteria, decay and sensitivity. When you chew on ice (or anything hard), you are forcing two hard surfaces to clash against each other. While there won’t be any immediate and noticeable damage, with time, these forces can damage and weaken your enamel. When that happens, you will be more prone to bacterial infections and experience heightened tooth sensitivity.
- Can Lead to Cracked or Chipped Teeth: When you chew on hard items like ice, hard candy or unpopped popcorn kernel, it can make your teeth susceptible to chips and cracks. Again, it’s not to say that your teeth will be damaged the first time around, but with time, the excessive pressure on your teeth can result in fractures, chips or even broken teeth.
- Affects Existing Dental Work: Chewing ice can damage existing dental restorations like fillings, crowns and veneers. You will then be left to repair or replace these restorations, which can be costly and time-consuming activities.
What are Some Alternatives to Chewing Ice?
If crunching ice is a go-to habit, it can be hard to break this habit immediately. It can also be challenging to break this habit in the long run.
However, there is some good news! Instead of chewing on ice, there are healthier and safer alternatives that can help you satisfy the urge, without damaging your teeth. These include:
Find a Crunchy Alternative
While the cooling effect of ice is great, some crave the feeling of crunching. So, when you feel the need to crunch away, try alternatives like apples, carrots or cucumbers. They are crunchy and satisfying, just like ice, but minus the damage to your enamel. That’s not all, such alternatives are also packed with nutrients!
Let Ice Melt in Your Mouth
If you are after the cool sensation of ice in your mouth, there’s a workaround for you. Instead of crunching on ice, simply let it melt in your mouth. This way, you’ll still get to enjoy that refreshing feel of ice without damaging your teeth or gums.
Try Out Slushies
Try replacing regular ice cubes with softer forms of ice like slushies, shaved ice or soft ice (also known as nugget ice), as they are less likely to harm your teeth.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
If chewing ice is a mindless activity that you do, you can replace ice with sugar-free chewing gum. It will keep your mouth busy by satisfying the need to chew, without putting your teeth at risk. Chewing sugar-free gum also offers other benefits like promoting saliva production which helps keep your mouth clean.
Breaking the habit of chewing ice might not be easy. However, if you resist the temptation to do so and switch to alternatives, your teeth will thank you for it. Whether it’s crunchy veggies and fruits or softer forms of ice, find what works for you and break the habit.
If you’ve been chewing ice for a while and have noticed signs of tooth sensitivity, cracks or bleeding gums, schedule a consultation with us. We will assess the condition of your teeth and recommend appropriate treatments to restore your oral health.
