Mindless chewing of ice is a common habit especially in hot summer months. Ice, like other hard foods can cause damage to teeth, enamel and gums. It’s common knowledge that you should stop chewing ice. But is it really so simple to let go of a long-standing habit? It’s not easy, we know. We know it’s not. Here are some things you should know about how ice chewing can cause damage to your teeth.
What is the harm in chewing on ice?
Ice can cause damage to your teeth, such as chipped or cracked teeth. You can also get enamel damage from ice, which can cause increased sensitivity to heat and cold. This makes you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
Ice can cause further damage to existing dental work, such as fillings and crowns. Eating ice is probably not a good habit. What can you do?
Alternatives to Ice Chewing
These tricks will help you stop chewing on ice.
- Let It Melt. Instead chomping at frosty cubes and gnawing on them, let them melt slowly in your mouth. The ice will still provide a satisfying refreshment, but it will last much longer than consuming the whole glass.
- Avoid the temptation. Try to avoid the ice in your drinks and the temptation to chew. You could be avoiding some of the filth by skipping ice at restaurants. It is notoriously difficult to clean ice makers and can be a haven for bacteria.
- Try switching to slush. Also, you can replace regular cubes by softer types of water ice. You can choose shaved, slushies or “soft” ice. This is also known as nugget, and it’s slushier than regular ice.
- Find the root cause. Craving and chewing ice can be related to