Chewing Ice Cubes and Your Oral Health

Why Chewing on Ice May be Bad for Your Teeth

Unlike blenders or snow cone machines (popular appliances during summer), human teeth are not ideal for crushing or breaking apart ice cubes. Many people have the habit of chewing on ice for a number of different reasons but especially during the warm summer months, which is, coincidentally, the same time of year dental offices are filled with patients complaining of gum injures and broken teeth. According to the American Dental Association, not chewing on ice is a simple way to avoid unnecessary tooth and gum injuries during the summer months and all year round as well.

For those who are seeking refreshment by chewing on ice, there are some recommendations that dentists make to help give patients the same satisfaction without putting their teeth and gums at risk. Instead of chewing ice cubes to cool off in the warmer weather, it is recommended to let slivers of ice melt in the mouth, and for those seeking a crunch factor, chilled carrot sticks, celery, or apple slices can possibly provide the same gratification as chewing ice cubes.

Patients who have a persistent ice chewing problem and find it difficult to stop should consult with their dentist. This type of behavior can sometimes be indicative of iron deficiency or iron anemia, which is a much larger issue. As the name of this condition implies, an iron deficiency is due to an insufficient amount of iron in the body. Iron is needed to help create hemoglobin, which is a substance found in red blood cells that help the cells to carry oxygen throughout the body and to the brain. Iron deficiency is very common, affecting about 20 percent of women and about three percent of men in the US.

In addition to not chewing on ice, there are some other ways adults and children alike can help protect their teeth and keep them strong and healthy. First, it is important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine that includes flossing daily, brushing twice a day, and using an appropriate toothpaste and proper amount of it for one’s unique oral health needs. Additionally, adults and children alike should visit their dental professionals twice a year or every six months for a professional teeth cleaning and to address any dental issues that may be of concern. By taking care of one’s teeth, it is possible to have a healthy smile!

If you're concerned about the effects ice cubes have had on your teeth, you can always consult with your dentist and sign up for our New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.

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