Imagine you are at a restaurant with your friends. Your waiter brings out your favorite meal and a nice, cool cup of your beverage of choice. You are laughing and enjoying yourself, and you subconsciously pick up your finished drink and start to munch on an ice cube. Suddenly, you feel your tooth crack when biting down on it. A great night has turned into a dental emergency!
Who knew that ice could fight back against your pearly whites? Well, your dentist does, so continue reading to learn more about how it’s harmful and ways you can break the habit.
Why Is Biting Ice So Bad?
Ice can easily chip or damage your teeth because it is hard and brittle. Every time you chomp down on it, you risk causing small cracks in the enamel that can turn into bigger ones. When this layer of your pearly whites is compromised, you are at more risk of tooth decay and sensitivity.
Biting down on ice can even damage restorations like a dental crown, filling, implant, or veneer! You invested your time and money in these treatments, so you would want to ensure you keep their full benefits! It’s not worth the risk to find yourself in a dental emergency.
How Can I Quit Chewing on Ice?
The want to chew on a piece of ice is a bad habit that can be hard to break, like any other. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to stop it for good, such as:
- Find the Reason You Do It: In some cases, an ice-eating habit can be the result of an iron deficiency. Others enjoy the crunch that it has, but talking to your doctor could be fruitful in stopping this habit.
- Don’t Bite Down on the Ice: If you like the cooling effect, you can let the ice melt in your mouth instead!
- Choose an Alternative: A great way to save your smile if you don’t want to give up the habit just yet is to eat shaved ice or slushies! Both of these are less likely to chip a tooth. Additionally, if you look forward to the crunch, then vegetables like cucumber or baby carrots can give the same feeling. They even give you healthy nutrients.
- Order Light Ice or None: Reducing the amount of ice in your drinks can help curb the habit of chewing it. With less of it in your cup, you might be less tempted to crunch away and keep your drink cool, making it easier to break the cycle.
An ice-cold beverage can feel good on a hot day, but do your best not to chomp on the cubes floating in your drink! Follow these tips and you can avoid a damaged tooth and keep your smile happy and risk-free.
About the Author
Dr. Tariq Shiyab has over 20 years of experience working with people to get the healthy grins they deserve. He’s dedicated to his craft and takes several hours of continuing education every year, so he ensures he gives the best care possible. Dr. Shiyab is proud to offer same-day and weekend appointments for when you experience a dental emergency. If you have ended up with a sudden chipped tooth, schedule an appointment or call us at (904) 287-0033.