The Cold Hard Truth

Why Chewing Ice Is Bad

Summertime is here and indulging in icy cold beverages is a must! Chances are that you’ve chomped through an ice cube or two on occasion, without second thought. Though it may seem harmless, the act of chewing ice can lead to costly and painful dental conditions.

The muscles used for chewing produce a powerful force. When combined with the density of ice it can cause the tooth’s enamel to weaken, chip and fracture. When your enamel is worn, chipped, or fractured it increases your chance of experiencing sensitivity when eating and drinking. Fractures can occur vertically or horizontally and can compromise the tooth structure enough to require root canal treatment or crown treatment. Another risk in chewing ice is due to the repetitive cold exposure which can cause existing dental fillings to expand or contract. This fluctuation may shorten the life span of your fillings due to the stress the change in shape creates. Lastly, chewing ice can cause trauma to the jaw muscles by creating unnecessary tension and stress with the extra force and exertion it takes to break through the cube.

With the weather warming up, Dr. Ridl and his team wanted to remind you to avoid biting into those refreshing little frozen delights when you enjoy a cold beverage. Enjoy the summertime heat and stay cool without causing your teeth trauma – it’s the cold hard tooth truth… avoid chewing ice.