Chewing ice may sound weird to some ears, but it is something that many people in Concord enjoy, especially during the summer months. When you are sipping a cold drink, you might find it difficult to resist chewing on the leftover ice cubes. But if you ever tell your dentist about this habit, you may meet with a concerned reaction.
While chewing ice may seem harmless, since it is only frozen water, it can cause problems for your teeth. When the temperatures rise in Cabarrus County, many people find themselves chewing on ice without thinking about it. It certainly feels cool and refreshing. However, the same can chip your tooth, wear down enamel, and cause sensitivity issues.
Luckily for you, there is great dental care available in the area. If you have the habit of chewing ice, do not forget to discuss it with your dentist on your next visit. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Concord, NC, today. They can give you advice based on your specific needs and help you protect your smile for the future.
How chewing ice causes dental damage
Chewing ice might feel harmless, but it can actually cause serious problems for your teeth. Even though your tooth enamel is the strongest part of your body, it is not indestructible. It cannot withstand the extreme pressure of chewing ice. Dentists often compare teeth to a china plate – they are strong but can still develop small cracks over time.
These small cracks that develop over time are known as craze lines. At first, they may not seem like a big deal. However, they can grow in size and cause major damage. This also means that you may need to get extensive dental treatments to fix them. Therefore, it is recommended to protect your teeth by avoiding chewing ice.
Hidden dangers
Visible chips and cracks on the surface of your teeth are not the only problems you will face when you regularly chew on ice. You might also risk long-term damage that can damage your oral health in the coming years.
First of all, ice is extremely cold, and that can irritate the nerves inside your teeth. This can make them even more sensitive. You might start noticing the effect when you eat or drink something hot or cold, and you will feel a sharp pain.
If you have dental fillings or crowns, you should steer clear of chewing ice even more. As already mentioned, the pressure from chewing ice can damage your dental work. The materials can expand or contract and, thus, suffer from wear and tear. This means that you will need to replace your fillings and crowns more often.
To keep your teeth in good shape and to ensure that your dental investments last for a long time, it is best to avoid chewing ice.
Why do people chew on ice anyway?
Some people chew on ice when they feel hot. However, did you know that chewing ice is not always just a habit? Sometimes, it could be pointing to an underlying health issue. Medical research shows that chewing ice, often called pagophagia, is sometimes linked to iron deficiency anemia.
Doctors have found that many people who compulsively chew ice feel better once their iron levels are treated. This means that the urge to chew ice could go away if the health problem causing it is fixed.
If you chew ice often, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can check your health and help you find out if there’s a deeper reason behind this habit.
Stop damaging your teeth today!
Are you an ice chewer? It might feel refreshing, but it is chipping away at your smile. Schedule your appointment with a Concord dentist now and learn how to protect your teeth before it is too late.