Ice can be refreshing to eat during the hot summer months and is used in many different tasty treats. It is easy to enjoy when crushed or shaved, but most dentists say that chewing on whole ice cubes is bad for your teeth. If you aren’t familiar with the risks, here’s why it’s an unhealthy habit.

What Does Eating Ice Do to My Teeth?

Ice is hard, so it will strain and pressure your teeth if you try to chew it. This will lead to cracked enamel, leaving the inner layers of your teeth exposed and sensitive to hot and cold substances. Eating ice can also damage sensitive dental prostheses, such as fillings and crowns, resulting in visits to your dentist. Additionally, you may cut your gums on shards of ice.

Why Do People Chew Ice Cubes?

Some people chew on ice due to an iron deficiency. When iron levels in the human body are lower than usual, it can cause the tongue to swell up. To relieve discomfort, the person affected may begin to crave cold things to eat such as whole ice cubes. If you are dealing with these symptoms, speak to your primary care doctor about increasing your daily iron intake by making changes in your diet or taking supplements. In the meantime, dentists recommend eating carrots for something to crunch down on.

Another reason people may chew ice is to ease nausea symptoms. The smooth texture and coolness of the ice help suppress queasiness and keep the person hydrated. Figuring out the cause of your nausea is the most important step in relieving your symptoms. After a quick checkup, a doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medicine to ease your pain.

If you would like to learn more about the hazards of chewing ice, contact the trusted dentists at Four Corners Dental Group. With experience in treatments such as veneers, dentures, and dental implants, they pride themselves on giving the best affordable dental care in both the Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, areas. For more information about their services, visit them online or call (907) 258-3384 today.