A Dentist Explains Why You Should Stop Chewing Ice

When you visit the dentist, you will probably get suggestions on which habits to adopt or avoid. Chewing ice is one of those habits we cultivate unintentionally. Everyone has perhaps crunched through an ice cube or two while downing their favorite cold beverage, but not everyone gets addicted to this practice. If you have an addiction, you may find yourself chewing through a few cups of ice every day, just to satisfy your cravings.

The ice chewing addiction

People chew ice for different reasons — to relieve a dry mouth or stress, to quit cigarette smoking, to stop boredom or to reduce food intake to lose weight.

Habitual ice chewers treat ice like a smoker treats cigarettes. They have their favorite spots for getting ice, and they may often be found scraping the buildups in freezers to meet their demand.

If you are an ice enthusiast, you would probably find the act calming, aside from the crunching noise that your roommate or close friends may find annoying. The sad fact is that chewing ice could be a sign of an underlying health condition and could cause severe damage to your teeth and gums.

The dangers of chewing ice

Although the teeth are made of the hardest material in the body, they are highly brittle when exposed to forces such as ice chewing. Compare the tooth with a porcelain plate — it is hard, but look carefully, and you may notice a series of small fractures across its surface. This is what may happen to your teeth as a result of repeated ice chewing.

The fractures may not be noticeable, but under high magnification and lights, all the tiny fractures across the enamel will be visible. Luckily, the tooth has underlying and supporting tissues and structures to spread out the force generated by the chewing pressure. However, when the resilience of the enamel is strained, you may end up chipping a piece of the tooth, or worse, cause a big fracture that is irreparable.

Even if you are not an ice addict, it will take only a bite with the right force and angle to break your tooth. Although a dentist can repair the tooth with filling material or crowns (for significant damages), some breaks are so bad, they could cause a fracture right down to the tooth root. If this happens, the tooth will need to be removed.

Ice munching will not harm your health like other addictions. However, the potential of dental damage is limitless — cracked or chipped teeth, injuries to tooth enamel, damages to dental restorations such as crowns and fillings and sore jaw muscles. Your teeth may also become highly sensitive to cold or hot foods or drinks, and you will be at a higher risk of cavities.

The bottom line: Stop chewing ice

Visit the dentist if you find ice chewing compulsively. They will perform a screening to see if you have anemia or other health condition that may be causing the cravings. Almost every ice addict loses their cravings after getting the right treatment for their medical condition. Before you injure your teeth further, contact your dentist for a consultation today.

Request an appointment here: https://muhlenbergdental.com or call Muhlenberg Dental Associates at (610) 844-9825 for an appointment in our Reading office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Root Canal Aftercare: Tips For A Smooth Recovery

Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking. Caring for the treated tooth can be even more stressful. Knowing what to do after the treatment can help you prepare well for it. Here are some tips for a smooth and quick recovery after your root canal.The patient must wait to eat as…

What To Expect During A Dental Cleaning

A regular dental cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. While many people understand the importance of these appointments, the specifics of what happens during dental cleanings may remain a bit mysterious.In this review, we discuss the procedure of a typical dental cleaning, providing insight into the process and highlighting its significance in preventive…

Benefits Of General Dentistry Preventive Treatments

Looking for information on general dentistry preventive care? Many people think that routine appointments with a dentist are just for cleanings and examinations, however, that is far from the truth. These routine appointments can also be used for preventive care. Preventive care helps to keep the patient's teeth and gums in good oral health, by…

Tips For Partial Denture Care

Partial dentures are a great tooth replacement option for missing teeth. They are easier on the mouth than full dentures but not as costly as dental implants. Those that wear partial dentures can expect an easier eating experience, better speaking and an aesthetically pleasing smile. However, with partial dentures comes discipline, meaning the wearer must…

Muhlenberg Dental Associates

Share
Published by
Muhlenberg Dental Associates

Recent Posts

Root Canal Aftercare: Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking. Caring for the treated…

1 month ago

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

A regular dental cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. While many people understand…

2 months ago

Benefits of General Dentistry Preventive Treatments

Preventive care helps to keep the patient's teeth and gums in good oral health, by…

3 months ago

Tips for Partial Denture Care

Those that wear partial dentures can expect an easier eating experience, better speaking and an…

4 months ago

When You Should Call Your Dentist for a Dental Checkup

A dental checkup also gives the dentist a chance to notice abnormalities in a person’s…

5 months ago

Routine Dental Procedures Performed by a Family Dentist

Visiting the family dentist’s office at least two times each year may lower the risk…

6 months ago