Chewing ice is harmful to your teeth, and if you are an offender of this bad habit, it may be time to consider the damage you are doing. We are not trying to guilt-trip you about your ice-chewing habit, but knowing what your dentist sees may help you to stop.
The main issue with chewing ice is that it wears down your enamel. Tooth enamel is a thin outer layer that covers the top of your tooth, protecting it from daily use such as chewing, crunching, and grinding. Enamel will also protect you from feeling temperature variations and chemicals, which is why worn down enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity actually occurs because the enamel is worn down, and the hot and cold liquids you drink are able to pass through the enamel and travel into your tooth.
This is why wearing down your enamel by chewing on ice can lead to serious problems. The following are reasons why chewing on ice will harm your pearly whites:
- Frozen cubes can crack or chip your teeth. Chewing on ice can even cause micro-fractures that you may not be able to see.
- The extreme temperature fluctuations of hot and cold can expand your tooth and over time will wear down any fillings you may have.
- Chewing ice may even damage your gums. Sharp pieces of ice that lodge into your gums can be painful!
In some cases, the desire to chew ice may be a sign of an iron deficiency. There is a disorder known as pica which causes people to crave non-food items that contain no nutritional value including ice, paper, or even dirt. The strong urge to eat ice is typically a symptom of iron deficiency, so if you are craving ice, you may want to speak to your dentist or doctor about it.
Always talk to your dentist about any habits you have like chewing ice. To make an appointment with Dr. Omar Salameh or Dr. Issa Salameh, contact us at Signature Smiles Dental to make an appointment. We look forward to seeing your smile!
