It’s incredibly common for people to love chewing ice, especially during the hot months. But the bad news is chewing ice can cause myriad problems for your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. At Lonestar dental, we understand that giving up on this habit is not easy, and that’s why we have listed five healthy alternatives to fulfill your ice chewing needs.
Why Chewing on Ice is Bad for Your Teeth
Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, yet chewing ice can still damage it. Chewing on ice can break, crack, or chip your teeth along with other oral health issues. It can also weaken your enamel, leading to temperature sensitivity. Tooth enamel is the first line of defense against cavities as it helps protect teeth from bacteria attacks. But if it’s worn out due to ice chewing habits, your teeth will become vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. Furthermore, if you have existing dental work, chewing on ice can also damage it.
Overall, the ice crunching habit is bad for your oral health and should be avoided. If it’s hard for you to give up on this habit, here are five replacements that will help you avoid ice crunching.
Chewing on Ice – Healthy Alternatives
- One of the best alternatives is to allow the ice to melt in your mouth instead of crunching the hard cube. This way, you will reduce the risk of damaging the enamel and enjoy it much longer.
- Avoid the cue. When you get a drink, make sure it doesn’t contain ice. Skipping the idea of chewing ice is much easier when it’s not within your reach.
- If you want a satisfying alternative to ice, try switching to slush. Replace regular ice with softer forms like slushes, nugget ice, or shaved ice.
- Get to the cause of temptation. Your dentist can assist you in this. Chewing ice can signify iron deficiency. Taking iron supplements may help with the issue.
- If you love a crunching feeling instead of a cooling sensation, try chewing apple, cucumber, or carrot slices. Eating crispy fruits and vegetables will prevent tooth damage and provide some added health benefits.
Conclusion
Chewing on ice can be bad for your teeth, and it can chip or crack your teeth, along with harming the enamel. This habit can even cause tooth sensitivity, decay, and cavities. So, follow these tips to help quit the ice munching habit.
If you need any assistance, talk to your dentist about how you can improve your oral health. For this reason, visit Lonestar Dental Center. We are your complete oral healthcare destination, and our staff takes pride in offering excellent service from the beginning of your time in Humble, TX. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any questions, please call us at (281) 233-0333.