It's the dog days of summer- hot and humid. Throughout time, both man (and woman), and our pets try to keep cool, explains Danbury CT dentist Jay M. Marks, DMD. Some may pack the car and go up into the mountains. Others may pack the same car and head to the beach. No matter where you, we try to keep cool by having a love affair with frozen molecules of H2O (water). Of course we are talking about ICE. Some put ice on their foreheads or wrists. Some put ice into their drinks. And some put ice in their mouths to keep cool. One of these habits is very detrimental to your health, claims Jay M. Marks, DMD. Which one is it? FINISH-->
We are talking about chewing ice. Chances are your mother or your dentist has told you that chewing ice can cause serious damage to your teeth. Many people feel that it is bad for others, but not for them. When it affects you, it could cost you a lot of money.
One reason is that ice is HARD. It can easily break fillings, or crowns or dentures. Don't try this, but if you do chew ice, you will remember how hard it is to crush between your teeth. It can even break your natural teeth.
Another problem is the drastic temperature difference. Ice is 32 degrees F, and our bodies are at least 98.6 degrees F. This sudden change back and forth can cause the teeth to crack. Also the plastic in dentures, or porcelain in crowns are subject to cracking. The drastic changes can also harm the tooth nerve, which can die, leading to the need for root canal treatment in order to save the tooth.
The pieces of ice can also be sharp, and can cut you cheek and gums. This may lead to the need for periodontal treatment due to infected and swollen gums.
Since ice can have odd shapes, it can cause you to bite down in an odd way, which can lead to TMJ ( temperomandibular joint disease).
The problem is that the damage can start out very small and unnoticed, but eventually get larger with symptoms, which means that the damage may be severe.
If you feel that you have already chewed ice and have done damage to your teeth, please CONTACT US and we will try to keep you cool (without ice) and fix your teeth :-)
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