Feel Good Helper

Why Chewing Ice Could Be Ruining Your Teeth

Six blue-tinted ice cubes
Shutterstock

Chewing ice is a common habit, but it could be doing serious damage to your teeth. The extreme cold can cause your teeth to crack and chip, and the hard texture can wear away at your enamel. If you're a frequent ice chewer, you may not be aware of the damage you're doing to your teeth. But over time, this habit can lead to serious dental problems. Here's why you should kick the ice-chewing habit: 1. It can damage your teeth. The act of chewing ice puts a lot of stress on your teeth. The extreme cold can cause your teeth to crack and chip, and the hard texture can wear away at your enamel. 2. It can be painful. If you have any existing dental problems, such as sensitive teeth or gum disease, chewing ice can be extremely painful. It can also irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. 3. It's a waste of money. If you're constantly replacing chipped and cracked teeth, you're going to end up spending a lot of money on dental bills. It's simply not worth it in the long run. 4. It's bad for your health. Chewing ice can actually be bad for your overall health. The extreme cold can cause headaches and migraines, and it can also aggravate conditions like arthritis. 5. It's annoying. Let's be honest, chewing ice is pretty annoying. If you're constantly chomping on ice cubes, your family and friends are going to get pretty fed up with it. So there you have it. Chewing ice is bad for your teeth, your health, and your social life. If you're still not convinced, just ask your dentist. They'll be happy to tell you to stop chewing ice!

Why do we crave ice to begin with?

There's nothing quite like a brain freeze to ruin a perfectly good cup of ice water. But have you ever stopped to think about why we crave ice to begin with? It turns out, there's a scientific reason behind our love of all things frosty. Here's the scoop: when we eat or drink something cold, it activates the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for both temperature sensation and pain perception. This nerve then sends a signal to the brain that says, "Hey, something cold is touching my face!" In response, the brain sends a message back to the trigeminal nerve to numb the area to protect it from the cold. But here's the kicker: the brain also interprets this numbness as pleasure. So not only do we get relief from the cold, we also get a little hit of pleasure from the brain freeze itself. That's why we keep coming back for more, even though we know it's going to hurt. So next time you're reaching for that cup of ice water, remember: you're not just satisfying your thirst, you're also giving yourself a little brain freeze fix. Enjoy!


Recommended


NEXT UP

This Is How Vegan Cheese Is Really Made

vegan cheese
Shutterstock

Vegan cheese is often seen as a healthier, more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional cheese. But how is it really made? Most vegan cheese is made from a combination of plant-based oils, nuts, and soy. The ingredients are blended together and then formed into a cheese-like shape. The cheese is then aged, usually in a cool, dark place, to allow the flavors to develop. Vegan cheese can be made at home, but it's also available commercially. Some of the most popular brands of vegan cheese include Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Violife. So, what does vegan cheese taste like? It depends on the type of cheese and the brand, but in general, vegan cheese has a milder flavor than regular cheese. It's also lower in fat and calories, and it's often lactose-free and gluten-free. If you're looking for a dairy-free cheese alternative, vegan cheese is a great option. It can be used in all the same ways as regular cheese, and it's a delicious way to enjoy your favorite foods without all the guilt.

Does vegan cheese taste as good as the dairy kind?

I'll admit it, I was a cheese skeptic. I thought there was no way that vegan cheese could ever taste as good as the dairy kind. I mean, how could it? It's missing the key ingredient: milk! But I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. Because vegan cheese is delicious! It's creamy and rich, and it has all the flavor of traditional cheese. Plus, it's good for you! Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients, so it's cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. It's also a great source of protein and calcium. So if you're looking for a delicious, healthy cheese option, vegan cheese is the way to go. Give it a try, and you'll be surprised at how good it is!