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Posted on 3/10/2019 by Dr. Frank K. Sioda |
 While chewing on ice may help you cool down or help relieve dry mouth, it's unfortunately one of the worst things you can do for your teeth. This is especially true if you've pulled ice cubes out of the freezer and started chewing on them right away. Hard ice can greatly damage teeth, leading to a number of different issues. Here are some of the reasons why you shouldn't chew on ice cubes. Your Teeth Aren't Made for ItTeeth are incredibly strong, but they're not invincible. They simply weren't made to bite down on ice, especially not if you're eating ice regularly. Just like biting down on anything hard, eventually this habit will cause your teeth to crack or chip. This damaged the enamel of the tooth, making it easier for bacteria to further damage the tooth. This, in turn, leads to cavities, sensitive teeth, and other issues. It's especially bad to chew on ice right after you've eaten. Your teeth are already soft from the acids in food, and now you're forcing them to bite down on hard pieces of ice. The end result can be a large amount of tooth damage very quickly. It Damages Dental WorkChewing on ice cubes can also cause your crowns or fillings to come loose. You can undo a good amount of dental work by chewing on ice. It Wears on Your Jaw Chewing ice can be hard work. You're definitely going to give your jaw muscles a work out, and that's not always a good thing. If you regularly chew on ice, you've likely experienced a sore jaw at least once. Learning to Avoid this Habit If you have a bad habit of chewing on ice, there is help. There are some medical conditions, including anemia, that can lead to ice chewing. Even if you don't have one of these issues, you may still enjoy it. We can help you overcome your love of chewing ice and make sure you haven't damaged your teeth. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. |
 Talk to one of our caring patient coordinators today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Frank Sioda 18676 Willamette Dr. Suite 202 West Linn, OR 97068-1718 |
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