3 Reasons Why You Absolutely Shouldn’t Chew on Ice Cubes

Chewing on ice might seem like a harmless habit—especially on a hot day or after finishing a refreshing drink. However, this habit can actually do more harm than you might realize. While many people enjoy the satisfying and cooling crunch of ice cubes, your teeth and jaws are likely to encounter issues if you continue the habit. Here’s what your emergency dentist wants you to know.

Ice Can Crack or Chip Your Teeth

Tooth enamel is incredibly strong, but it’s not indestructible. Chewing on hard ice cubes can cause small cracks or chips to form in your teeth. Over time, these tiny fractures can become bigger problems, leading to pain, sensitivity, and likely, the need for costly dental repairs down the road, such as fillings, crowns, or even root canals.

Likewise, if you’ve had dental work done, like fillings, crowns, or veneers, or even if you wear braces, chewing on ice cubes can cause harm, leading to the need for costly repairs or replacements.

It Can Cause Jaw Problems

Chewing on ice requires a lot of pressure and force, which can strain the muscles and joints in your jaw. If you’re prone to TMJ issues, which affect the jaw joints, the repetitive crunching can lead to jaw discomfort, headaches, or clicking and popping sounds when you chew or speak.

It Can Increase Tooth Sensitivity

Constant exposure to the extreme cold of ice can wear down your enamel and irritate the nerve inside your tooth. This can lead to increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages—and once tooth enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back.

If you really like chewing on ice, crushed cubes tend to be less harmful to teeth, or you can always opt for another chilled, safe-to-eat item like a sugar-free popsicle. However, if you’re noticing concerning dental symptoms that seem exacerbated by chewing on ice, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist—it might be a sign of an underlying problem!

About the Practice

Our team here at Ralph Avenue Dental Care has served the dental needs of families in Brooklyn and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including emergency dentistry for patients of all ages, with same-day care available for those with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (718) 531-0300.