Mindless eating ice is a very common habit, especially during the summer heat. Ice can, unfortunately, cause damage to the teeth, enamel, gums, and other hard foods. Most people have heard it said that you shouldn’t ice-chew. But, is it easy to quit a habit that has been ingrained in your brain? It is not. We have some suggestions for you to avoid getting your ice fix.
How is Chewing on Ice Bad For Your Teeth?
Chewing on ice can lead to cracked and chipped teeth. It can also cause enamel damage, increasing sensitivity to cold and making you more vulnerable to tooth decay. Chewing ice can lead to further problems, as it can damage existing dental work such fillings, crowns, veneers, and so on. It’s probably not the best thing to do. But there are other options.
Alternatives to Chewing Ice
These are some tricks to help you quit chewing on ice.
- Let it melt. Rather than chomping your way through frosty cubes of ice, you can let them melt in your mouth slowly. It will provide that refreshing refreshment you crave, while also allowing you to enjoy the ice longer than chewing the entire thing.
- Don’t succumb to the temptation. You can avoid eating ice at restaurants and avoiding the temptation of chewing. Avoiding ice in restaurants could help you avoid some filth. The ice maker is notoriously hard to clean .
- Use Slush instead of regular cubes. Try shaved ice or slushies. You might also consider “soft” (also known as nugget) ice. It is more slushier and smoother than regular ice.
- Check for an underlying cause. Craving and chewing ice can be related to as a natural oral wash. The fiber particles also help to scrub your teeth.
Chewing on ice is an unhealthy habit that can lead to serious oral problems. Quitting can be a bit hard, but it’s possible. Check out these alternatives to ice-chewing and see if it works. For more information, consult your Rancho Cucamonga Dentist to learn how you can make the changes.