A Dentist Explains Why You Should Stop Chewing Ice

dentist New York, NY

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://uptownnycdental.com or call Uptown Dental Group at (646) 693-0625 for an appointment in our New York office.

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

Related Posts

Unlock Your Smile’s Potential With Cosmetic Dental Services

For those looking to correct imperfections or enhance their smile's appearance, cosmetic dental services can transform a smile. From teeth whitening to veneers, cosmetic treatments can address a variety of concerns. Discover how these options can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental services.…

Possible Complications Of Root Canals And How To Avoid Them

Root canals effectively treat infections or damage inside a tooth, offering a chance to save the tooth and restore oral health. While these procedures are widely successful, understanding the potential risks can help patients feel more confident and prepared. Knowing how to avoid complications is important in ensuring the best possible outcome.Root canals involve carefully…

3 Cosmetic Dental Services For A Gummy Smile

A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display (EGD), is when a disproportionately large area of the gums is visible when smiling. Cosmetic dental services an address this concern, enhancing the balance between the gums and the teeth. Through services such as gum contouring, veneers, and Botox®, patients can enjoy a more proportionate and appealing smile.One…

How Cosmetic Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

It is common to be self-conscious about your smile, but cosmetic dental services can help! Whether you are struggling with blemishes on your teeth or a shade that you are not happy with, cosmetic dentists can create a personalized plan to address your goals and help you achieve your dental vision without compromising the health…