After you finish your drinks, do you tend to munch on the ice cubes at the bottom of your glass? While it’s a good way to keep you cool and refreshed, it can be trouble for your oral health. This habit isn’t as harmless as it seems, but what exactly does it do? To help protect your smile from any trouble, here’s what you need to know and how you can stop it.
What’s So Bad About Chewing Ice?
Ice can keep your beverages cold, but it’s brittle and hard as well. Biting down on it can cause tiny cracks to form in your enamel. This doesn’t seem too bad at first, but they can get bigger until there is serious damage or put you at risk of oral health issues like decay or infection.
If you have restorations like veneers or crowns (to name a few), then they can be impacted as well. The pressure needed to chew through these cool cubes can make them come off or chip. You’ll need to get them replaced sooner rather than later. So, you will hurt your investment and wallet!
How Can I Curb My Ice Chewing Habits?
With that said, eating ice may be a tough habit to break at first. Thankfully, there are ways you can slowly stop. These are some simple tips you can try:
- Talk with your physician to see whether there is an underlying issue, such as an iron deficiency. That way, you can get the minerals and nutrients you need to stay healthy.
- Suck on the cube or let it melt in your mouth. This will give you the cooling feeling you may want without any trouble.
- Eat slushies or shaved ice instead, as they are much softer because of the additives. However, don’t overindulge as the sugar can lead to cavities.
- Reach for crunchy fruits and vegetables. Cucumbers, carrots, and apples are some options that can give you the vitamins you need as well.
- If you are still having trouble, then consider less ice or none at all. That way, while you’re tempted, there isn’t anything to munch on.
Try out any of the easy tips above to break this habit. It might seem small, but you’ll be able to protect your oral health and avoid any dental emergencies.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, our team is proud to serve the Dallas community with the high-quality oral care they deserve. Led by a compassionate team of dentists, we are committed to protecting your smile and making sure it stays strong with a wide range of treatments. By watching for any red flags, we can get them sorted right away. If you want to make sure your teeth are in great shape, schedule an appointment or call our office at (770) 445-6606.
