If you’ve ever woken up in the morning and realized that your teeth feel fuzzy, you’re not alone! Many of our patients at Walden Square Dental have experienced this sensation, so today we want to talk about what causes that fuzzy feeling and what you can do to prevent it.
Causes of Fuzzy Teeth
The next time you rub your tongue over your teeth and notice a fuzzy feeling, it’s time to reach for your toothbrush and toothpaste! That fuzziness is the result of either the buildup of plaque or the consumption of foods high in oxalic acid. No matter what the cause, we recommend brushing your teeth.
- Plaque
- Oxalic Acid
When you think about plaque, you probably don’t get a warm and fuzzy feeling inside – for good reason. But that fuzzy feeling on your teeth is likely from plaque, a sticky film full of bacteria that accumulates on teeth. If left to its own devices, plaque growth will damage your tooth enamel and can potentially lead to tooth decay and gingivitis. Eventually, the buildup of plaque may cause periodontitis and even tooth loss.
Prevention:
Good preventive care habits like brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing each day, and visiting our office every 6 months for cleanings and exams will help limit plaque buildup.
Oxalic acid can also give your teeth that unpleasant fuzzy feeling. Oxalic acid is found in healthy foods like spinach, beets, and kale. However, don’t let that discourage you from eating these superfoods!
Prevention:
You can neutralize the effects of oxalic acid by eating foods high in Vitamin C (like red bell pepper, kiwi, and strawberries), or by simply brushing your teeth after you finish your superfood smoothie or salad.
Do you have questions about plaque, oxalic acid, or other dental-related discomfort? Bring them up to Dr. Clauser or Dr. Kakkar during your next visit. Contact our friendly office to schedule your appointment!
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