There are many reasons why people crunch on ice. Sometimes they need a cool, refreshing treat and don’t want to use the calories on popsicles. Maybe it’s boredom. In other cases, it can be a sign of a dangerous iron deficiency. But no matter the motivation, crunching ice cubes can be very bad for your teeth. Here’s what can happen if you’re not careful, and a few alternatives that can help create the same feeling without the dangerous side effects!
The Dangers of Crunching Ice
In theory, the idea of crunching ice cubes doesn’t seem that bad. After all, they’re made of water, have no additives, and have zero fat or calories. But just because water itself is good for you doesn’t mean that ice is. That’s because in solid form, it can be very harmful to your tooth enamel, causing it to wear down prematurely, or possibly even chip or crack. Unfortunately, tooth enamel doesn’t self-repair, which means if you damage it, you’ll need to get dental bonding, a crown, or a filling. In some severe cases, you may even need to have a badly damaged tooth extracted!
Alternatives to Crunching Ice
If you still need to crunch on something healthy without putting your oral health at risk, there are many alternatives to ice you can try, including:
- Raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, peppers, and cucumbers
- Fresh fruits like apples and pears
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Drinking cold water
Crunching Ice and Vitamin Deficiencies
Though it seems a little odd that ice would be an indicator of an iron deficiency, researchers believe that the ice acts as a little jolt to the body that forces better-oxygenated blood to the brain, helping the anemic person to stay awake and focused. Thus, if you find yourself craving ice frequently, it’s important to speak to your doctor and have your iron levels tested. Often, this type of problem can be corrected with the help of an OTC or prescription iron supplement, which will help protect your blood as well as your smile!
Remember, crunching ice may seem harmless, but if you’re not careful it could cause permanent damage to your smile. Additionally, because it is often an indicator of a dangerous iron deficiency, it is important to speak to your physician if you find yourself regularly craving ice.
About Our Practice
At PeaksView Dental, our team of skilled dentists works under five important golden rules that guide our care every single day. They are:
- The Smile Rule. Helping you build the smile of your dreams.
- The Family Rule. Welcoming you and your loved ones into our dental family.
- The Platinum Rule. Treating you how you want to be treated.
- The Proactive Rule. Anticipating your dental needs.
- The Innovative Rule. Helping you find newfound confidence in your smile.
It is with these principles in mind that we work so hard to ensure that you don’t just receive the best care possible, but that you are satisfied with the care you receive.
For a cleaning and exam, please schedule an appointment via our website, or call our friendly office today at 540-586-8106.