'It's NG to chew ice,' experts say, the risk of tooth decay may increase
There should be many people who say, 'I will chew the ice that remains after I finish drinking the ice drink.' Dental experts point out that even plain ice that does not contain sugar, unlike popsicles, increases the risk of tooth decay when chewed and eaten.
Is chewing on ice cubes bad for your teeth?
Matthew Cook, an associate professor of dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh and an expert in pediatric dentistry, often asks patients and parents of children, 'Why do some people like to chew ice?' Is there any adverse effect? '
According to Cook, chewing ice can be expected to relieve stress and relax. Also, since it is possible to get the feeling of eating something without consuming calories, some people chew ice to dispel the feeling of hunger, and people with
However, as a dentist, Cook said, 'For whatever reason, you should fix your habit of chewing ice. Chewing ice can have a negative effect on your oral health, and if you're unlucky, you can even go to a dental office. I warn you.
Cook opposes chewing ice because the enamel on the surface of his teeth can crack and become squeaky when he eats cold or hot food. If the hard enamel that protects the teeth is scratched or scratched, the acid produced by the dentin can penetrate into the soft layer of the teeth, the dentin, which can lead to tooth decay.
In addition, people who wear stuffing or coverings on their teeth, orthodontic appliances, or dental veneers that are attached to the surface of the teeth to make the teeth look beautiful are particularly vulnerable to damage when they bite the ice. Damage to teeth by biting ice can lead to tooth problems that require a variety of treatments, from simple fillings to large-scale procedures that require anesthesia, Cook said.
That's why Cook recommended that you get rid of the habit of chewing ice in the following ways:
・ Melt and eat in your mouth without chewing ice.
・ Stop eating ice in the first place. Bacteria can grow in the ice machine, so it's best not to eat ice.
・ If you really want to eat ice, use soft ice such as shaved ice. However, avoid sweet ice cream as it is bad for your teeth.
・ Eat chewy vegetables and fruits such as raw carrot sticks and sliced apples instead of ice. Chewy foods promote the secretion of saliva that protects the mouth, and fibrous foods have the effect of cleaning teeth.
Also, although the reason is not well understood, iron deficiency may cause pagophagia, so if you cannot stop eating ice even after trying the above methods, improve your eating habits or supplement iron. Cook recommends that you keep in mind and consult your doctor.
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