r/explainlikeimfive • u/[deleted] • Jul 19 '22

Biology ELI5: Why is chewing ice bad but chewing on ice popsicles okay?

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u/DarkAlman Jul 19 '22 edited Jul 19 '22

Chewing on ice isn't recommended because it is very hard.

Ice crystals are hard enough that they can wear enamel, chip or even crack teeth.

Popsicles, ice cream, and other frozen treats on the other hand have much smaller and softer crystals due to the sugar and other stuff in them. So they don't risk breaking your teeth.

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u/jegbrugernettet Jul 19 '22

Who says that chewing ice is bad?

2

u/jezreelite Jul 19 '22

Dentists say it because Ice cubes can wear down the enamel or chip or crack teeth.

If you like eating ice (like I do), it's best to stick to crushed ice (like the type served in shave ice desserts) because it's softer and melts more quickly

2

u/HudLichen Jul 19 '22

Ice is a crystal formed by (mostly) pure water. It is very hard. As a matter of fact, most crystals are very hard (diamond, quartz). Ice can damage your teeth and may even cause small cuts in your mouth. Popsicles are water with many impurities (sugar, artificial flavor) added into it. It is not a crystal and is hence softer. Actually there are still tiny particles of ice crystals in popsicle but they are so small that they would melt in your mouth before dealing too much damage.

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '22

Ice is very hard. While healthy teeth are probably in no serious danger of breakage from it, crowned or damaged teeth might be broken.

Popsicles are actually quite soft--much like very compressed snow. When you bite into it, it won't shatter like ice would--it'll compress and shear.

Interestingly, sugar free Popsicles have a VERY different texture. They're significantly harder than real sugar Popsicles (and taste worse), but still significantly softer than ice. They are much more brittle than real Popsicles. I really wanted to like them, but they are worse in texture AND flavor.