It is not unusual for Dr. Chong Lee of Galleria Dental Aesthetics to speak to patients who enjoy chewing on ice. Regardless of how the habit started, it is important that patients realize how bad this habit can be for their teeth. Our team wants to make sure patients are educated on how this habit impacts the health of their smile.
Read on to learn more about the impact chewing ice can have on the teeth:
Chewing on ice on a regular basis can:
- Destroy the enamel of the teeth, which is a protective layer of the teeth that can reduce the risk of damage and decay.
- Cause the loss of enamel, which can increase sensitivity of the teeth—especially when in contact with hot and cold temperatures.
- Cause cracks and breaks in the teeth or dental restorations such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns.
- Result in toothaches and jaw soreness unrelated to conditions such as TMJ/TMD.
- Be a symptoms of anemia, specifically if patients crave chewing on ice, as this might be caused by an iron deficiency.
Instead of chewing ice, you may want to talk to your dentist about alternatives that you may enjoy, including:
- Chewing gum
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Switching to cold beverages
When patients receive certain restorations, such as crowns and veneers, they are often advised to avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice. This is to maintain the longevity of the teeth while protecting the dental restorations. Patients who feel as though they always have to be chewing on something may want to find alternatives that are less damaging to the smile, such as chewing gum or sugar-free candies.
Do you want to learn more about ways to keep your smile healthy?
Apart from chewing on ice, there are many other steps patients can take to maintain a healthy smile. If you are located in the area of McLean, VA and want to speak to a professional about your dental needs, call Galleria Dental Aesthetics at (703) 448-1020 to schedule a consultation appointment with our team. We are located at 1600 Tysons Boulevard, Suite #120 and accept new patients and families.