Is Chewing Ice Bad For Your Teeth
Is chewing ice bad for your teeth? Our teeth are protected by the hardest substance in the body, enamel. Strong teeth are able to break down many hard foods like almonds, toasted bread, and carrots.
Is chewing on ice bad for your teeth? This article will answer all your questions about ice chewing and why it should be avoided.
Table of Contents
Why People Chew Ice
For most people, chewing ice is a subconscious action done passively after drinking a cold beverage. The habit of ice chewing is built over time and done instinctively when there’s ice in your drink.
Chewing on ice can also be associated with the disorder Pica. Pica is a type of eating disorder in which you have a compulsive need to eat items that are not food.
Pagophagia is the compulsive need to eat and chew on ice. It is linked to an iron deficiency anemia. Is chewing ice bad for your teeth? Repeatedly chewing ice everyday can damage the teeth
Why Is Chewing Ice Bad For Your Teeth
Ice is a very hard object that takes a lot of force to break down. Is chewing ice bad for your teeth? The teeth will absorb that force and pressure which can lead to damage. This damage to the teeth can cause pain, sensitivity, and a costly bill at your dentist.
Chewing ice can affect the teeth by:
- Damage Enamel: Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that acts as protection. Ice will break down micro-layers of the enamel.
- Fracture Teeth: Ice is so hard that it can actually fracture part of your teeth.
- Chip Restorations: Crowns, dental fillings, and other dental restorations can easily be damaged by chewing ice.
- Cause Recession: Continually chewing ice can put pressure on the gums and push away the gum line.
- Damage to the TMJ: The force needed to break down ice can damage the jaw joints. The repeated action overworks the temporomandibular joint.
- Check out our Healing the TMJ article for additional information.
Chewing Ice Leading To Cold Sensitivity
Is chewing on ice bad for your teeth? Over time, repeatedly chewing on cold ice can lead to permanent cold sensitivity in the teeth. Cold sensitivity can occur from:
- Weakened enamel
- Recession of the gums
- Cracks or fractures to the teeth
- Damaged restorations
Is chewing ice bad for your teeth? Chewing on ice can lead to all of the factors above that lead to cold sensitivity. If you have cold sensitivity, check out our Cold Sensitivity Guide.
How To Break The Habit
The time it takes to break a habit differs for everyone. Is chewing ice bad for your teeth? Ice is too hard for the teeth to break down and can cause permanent damage. It’s important to break the habit of chewing ice to protect your teeth.
If you’ve gained the habit of chewing ice, try these tips to break it.
- Avoid putting ice in your beverage.
- Let the ice melt fully before drinking your iced beverage.
- Use a straw when possible.
- Keep your drinks stored in the fridge so they’re cold and won’t need ice.
- Resist the urge by having a healthy snack or using chewing gum.
Is Chewing On Ice Bad For Your Teeth
Is chewing on ice bad for your teeth? Yes! Ice is a very hard substance, too hard for the teeth to break down. Ice chewing can cause permanent damage to the teeth and lead to pain and increased sensitivity.
Always let your dental team know if you have the habit of chewing on ice. If you have any pain or sensitivity after chewing on ice, it could mean you fractured a tooth or dental restoration. Contact your dentist to help evaluate your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of chewing ice?
Ice can cool your temperature and keep you hydrated. The risk of permanent damage to the teeth outweighs the benefits of chewing on ice. If you’re using ice, let it melt instead of chewing on it. Use a straw if you put ice in your beverage.
Does eating ice count as drinking water?
Since ice is water, ice does help aid in hydration. The amount is so small so it is not the same as drinking water. It is not enough to be a substantial factor in hydration. Drinking enough water throughout the day is very important to your oral health and overall health.
How can I eat ice without hurting my teeth?
There will always be a risk of damage to the teeth when chewing ice. Try letting the ice melt in the mouth instead of chomping down on it. If that’s too tempting, use a straw with your iced beverages. If you think you have damaged your teeth while chewing, contact your dentist for help.
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