Summer Smiles: Bad Oral Habits You Should Kick (Starting With Ice Chomping)

Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and a laid-back attitude—but it can also bring some sneaky habits that aren’t doing your teeth any favors. Whether you’re crunching on ice to cool off or sipping sugary drinks by the pool, these small choices can lead to bigger dental problems down the road.

At Dr. Wayne Suway’s dental practice in Marietta, we want all of our patients to enjoy summer while keeping their smiles healthy. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common bad oral habits we see during the warmer months—and how you can break them before they break your teeth.

Why Ice Chomping Is a Real Threat to Your Teeth

When temperatures rise in Marietta, it’s tempting to chew on ice cubes straight from your drink. It feels refreshing, it’s calorie-free, and it seems harmless enough. But ice chomping is actually one of the worst things you can do for your teeth.

Here’s why:

• Ice is incredibly hard and can create tiny fractures in your enamel.
• Repeated ice chewing can lead to bigger cracks over time, putting you at risk for chipped or broken teeth.
• Damaged enamel makes teeth more sensitive and more vulnerable to cavities.
• Chewing ice can also wreak havoc on crowns, fillings, and other dental work.

The American Dental Association advises avoiding ice chewing altogether, and we completely agree. Instead of crunching, try letting the ice melt naturally or opt for chilled water when you need to cool down.

Other Summer Habits That Can Harm Your Smile

While ice chomping often tops the list, it’s not the only warm-weather habit that can cause trouble. Here are a few more behaviors to watch out for:

• Frequent Sugary Drinks: Iced coffees, sodas, sweet teas, and frozen cocktails are everywhere during summer. The sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque buildup and cavities. Stick to water when you can, and if you indulge, rinse your mouth afterward.
• Using Teeth as Tools: Opening sunscreen bottles, tearing into packages, or popping off bottle caps with your teeth might seem convenient—but it can lead to cracks, chips, and even dental emergencies. Always use the right tool for the job, not your smile.
• Skipping Your Dental Routine: Summer schedules can throw off your normal habits. Busy days at the pool, vacations, and late nights might cause you to skip brushing or flossing. But consistent oral hygiene is crucial, even when life gets hectic.
• Mouth Injuries From Sports: Whether it’s pickup basketball, skateboarding, or water sports, summer activities can increase your risk of dental injuries. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports can save your teeth from serious damage.
• Overindulging in Citrus Fruits: Lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits are staples of summer, but their acidity can erode enamel if consumed in excess. Enjoy them in moderation, and rinse your mouth with water afterward to neutralize acids.

Signs That Ice Chewing and Bad Habits May Have Already Taken a Toll

If you’ve been chewing ice or indulging in other harmful habits, it’s important to watch for early signs of dental damage. These include:

• Increased tooth sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets
• Visible cracks or chips
• Rough or uneven tooth edges
• Pain when biting down
• Sharp discomfort when drinking cold beverages

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Suway to prevent further damage.

How to Break the Ice Chewing Habit

Like any habit, quitting ice chomping takes awareness and a few smart strategies. Here are a few tips:

• Stay Hydrated: Sometimes people chew ice because they’re dehydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to reduce the urge.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Satisfy the need to chew without risking damage to your teeth.
• Switch to Crushed Ice: If you absolutely must have ice, opt for small, soft crushed ice rather than hard cubes.
• Find a Substitute: Keep cold fruit slices, like frozen grapes or chilled cucumber, on hand for a safer cool-down snack.

Changing your habits now can save you from needing costly dental repairs later.

Preventive Care Is Your Best Defense

Summer is a great time to schedule a checkup, especially if you haven’t seen the dentist yet this year. Regular exams and cleanings can catch small problems before they become bigger ones.

At Dr. Wayne Suway’s Marietta office, we focus on preventive dentistry to help patients enjoy strong, healthy smiles year-round. Our comprehensive exams include checking for signs of enamel wear, cracks, and other damage that might result from habits like ice chewing.

We also offer customized solutions for any issues we find, whether that’s smoothing a small chip, strengthening weakened enamel, or protecting your smile with a custom mouthguard.

Your Smile Is Worth Protecting This Summer

Summer is about fun, relaxation, and making memories—not dealing with dental emergencies. By kicking bad oral habits now, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer without risking your beautiful smile.

Small changes make a big difference:

• Skip the ice crunching
• Choose water over sugary drinks
• Keep up with brushing and flossing
• Protect your teeth during sports
• Listen to your body and address any discomfort early

Your teeth will thank you—not just this summer, but for years to come.

Schedule Your Summer Checkup in Marietta

If you want to make sure your smile is ready for everything summer has in store, now is the perfect time to schedule a visit with Dr. Wayne Suway. We offer expert preventive care, personalized attention, and a full range of services to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and looking their best.

Contact our Marietta office today to book your appointment—and make this the summer you kick bad habits and embrace your healthiest smile yet.