Soon the warm months of summer will be upon us. We all reach for ice to cool off. Did you ever consider what the effects on oral health chewing on ice may have?
Due to the heavy forces that are applied while chewing, ice can chip tooth enamel and leave your teeth exposed. This causes tooth sensitivity and by lowering your mouths temperature it can make your teeth more susceptible to cracks. Who knew!
What about the effects on your gums? Obviously chewing ice may damage your teeth but what about my gums? Well, ice can sometimes have sharp edges that may cut the gums and would, therefore, lead to bleeding and swelling. Both of which are never good to see in your mouth. Worst of all you may cause gum recession and expose the root. That could lead to more problems.
So while the summer heat turns up to reach for an ice-cold glass of water. It’s great for your summer smile and will cool you to the core.