If you enjoy crunching ice to stay cool on a hot day, it can cost you your pearly whites if you make it a habit. Not to mention, craving ice can also be a symptom of a nutritional deficiency that can affect your overall wellness. A desire to eat ice can be a sign of anemia. Whether you are low in iron or just savor the cool crunch, it can cause serious damage to your dental health. Here’s what you need to know to safeguard your smile from a dental emergency.
Dental Risks of Chewing on Ice
Your teeth are protected by the hardest substance in your body. Your enamel is stronger than some metals, but it can be damaged. Unfortunately, your enamel can’t regenerate if it’s compromised.
Regularly chewing ice can harm your enamel, leading to several dental problems, like:
- Sensitivity: Eating ice frequently can weaken your enamel, which means your underlying dentin and pulp won’t have sufficient protection. You can experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Chips or Fractures: Ice can weaken your teeth over time from the repetitive force necessary to break them down into small pieces. Eventually, this can lead to breaks or fractures that will require emergency dental care.
- Damage Existing Dental Work: Crowns, fillings, and bridges are made of durable materials, but crunching on ice can shorten their lifespan.
- Jaw Pain: Eating ice can cause inflammation in your temporomandibular joints. TMJ dysfunction can cause many symptoms, like jaw pain, migraines, and tinnitus.
Protect Your Teeth from Ice-Crunching
Your dentist will recommend breaking the habit using a few tips to stop the urge to crunch:
- Contact Your Physician: Schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if you’re anemic.
- Let It Melt: Allow ice time to melt before eating it to make it slightly softer.
- Switch to Gum: Sugarless gum can save your teeth and increase saliva production to keep your mouth moist and clean.
- Choose Slush: Crushed ice is safer for your teeth than ice cubes.
- Eat Fruits and Veggies: Apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables can satisfy your craving.
Schedule a dental checkup with your dentist. They’ll monitor your oral health for any complications and create a personalized strategy to protect your teeth from crunching.
About Dr. Anne Wetmore
Dr. Wetmore achieved her dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and has pursued continuing education in many specialties, like full mouth rehabilitation and cosmetic dentistry. She is an active member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through her website or call (404) 495-5114.