Have you ever had a nice cold drink with the perfect bite size pieces of ice? Those are the best to just chew on with the loud crunch and the best texture. But did you know that it is doing harm to your teeth?

Chewing on ice can cause a lot of damage such as cracking and chipping. It can also damage your enamel, causing increased sensitivity to hot and cold, and more likely for you to have tooth decay and cavities. Chewing ice can create even further problems by damaging existing dental work like fillings, crowns, and veneers. We definitely do not want more damage to those since you most likely spent a lot to fix. 

When you chew ice, you start to create a cycle where your teeth quickly cool down and heat up over and over again. This makes your enamel expand and contract, which usually always leads to micro fractures forming in the surface of your teeth.

We recommend that you stop chewing on ice, obviously. However, if you find yourself not being able to break the habit, we suggest switching the ice out for something else. To get that crunchy texture and the cooling sensation together, try veggies and fruits (nice and crisp!) They have a great texture and crunch, but are so healthy for you at the same time! There is also an additional benefit to munching on crisp fruits and vegetables, too. All that chewing of fibrous material will stimulate saliva production, which acts as a natural mouthwash and the particles of fiber will help scrub your teeth. (Of course, you should still brush and floss, and see your dentist regularly for cleanings.)

We may not think about these small things when doing it but trust us, in the long run this will save your teeth.