Why Is Chewing Ice Bad for Your Teeth?

Many people don’t realize that crunching ice cubes is bad for their teeth! Because it’s so hard, chewing on ice can chip your teeth, erode your enamel, and damage your gums. At Sunrise Dental, we’ve seen ice cause some serious damage! If you have a habit of chewing ice cubes, here’s what you need to know. 

The Risks of Chewing on Ice 

Ice is extremely hard, and chewing ice can cause you to chip or crack your teeth. Chewing ice can also lead to enamel damage, increased sensitivity to hot and cold, and a higher chance of tooth decay and cavities. It can even damage your braces, fillings, crowns, or veneers.

If a filling or crown becomes dislodged or broken from chewing ice, your risk of permanent damage increases exponentially. People with traditional braces should never chew on ice, because it can damage the brackets and wires, which in turn will damage your mouth. 

Alternatives to Chewing on Ice

Some people love the satisfying crunch of an ice cube, there are other, more tooth-friendly crunchy alternatives. If you have a habit of chewing on ice, opt for shaved ice over cubes and add more crunchy foods into your diet. Healthy snacks like apples, carrots, celery sticks, and almonds will provide the crunchiness you crave and support good oral health.

Gentle Dental Treatment

If you chip a tooth or lose a filling from chewing on ice, call Sunrise Dental in Peoria to schedule treatment right away! The sooner you seek treatment, the less chance you have of tooth decay and permanent damage.

We specialize in gentle dental care and non-invasive procedures like air-abrasion drilling. If you have any questions about your fillings or about how your eating habits affect your teeth, contact us to make an appointment today!

Photo by Vinicius “amnx” Amano on Unsplash