One of the first things you might do in the morning is to slide your tongue over the surfaces of your teeth. You are puzzled because you brushed and flossed your teeth and possibly used mouthwash before going to sleep. Yet, fuzz has covered your teeth and caused you to lose your smooth-feeling teeth and fresh breath.
If your teeth feel fuzzy, schedule an appointment for a comprehensive oral examination and professional teeth cleaning at one of Trident Dental’s convenient locations.
The Main Cause of Fuzzy Teeth
Even if you brush your teeth every morning to clean off the morning fuzz, it seems to appear later in the morning. The reason for this constantly forming fuzz is dental plaque. Plaque is a highly organized community of bacteria and other microbes known as a biofilm. It constantly forms in everyone’s mouth.
When plaque forms, it attaches loosely to teeth and is easily removed. However, the longer it remains, the more firmly and difficult it is to remove. Eventually, plaque hardens into what is called dental calculus, or tartar. Tartar removal requires professional cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist.
As plaque accumulates, it forms a thicker substance, resulting in a fuzzy teeth feeling. While you sleep, your mouth is drier, which promotes plaque accumulation. Because most people do not hydrate or brush their teeth during the night, they awaken with a distinct fuzz on their teeth and odor caused by plaque bacteria.
Dehydration and Fuzzy Teeth
Some estimates are that three-fourths of Americans are dehydrated. There are many medical consequences of dehydration, including oral health problems. One of the issues associated with not drinking sufficient water daily is its effect on your saliva, which is 99% water. The quality and amount of saliva produced by your salivary glands help wash away food particles and plaque from your teeth. Therefore, you can minimize the fuzzy teeth feeling with proper daily hydration.
Diet and Fuzzy Teeth
Eating less sugary and processed starchy foods promotes healthy teeth and gums and helps prevent plaque buildup. However, candy, cookies, and ice cream are not the only foods stimulating plaque. Some healthy foods, such as spinach, kale, and beets, contain oxalic acid, which contains oxalate crystals that do not dissolve in water. When you chew these foods, these crystals are released and stick to your teeth. This coating gives your teeth a fuzzy feeling. Although these oxalate-containing foods may leave your teeth fuzzy, their health benefits outweigh this side effect.
Medications and Dry Teeth
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications have dry mouth as a side effect. The result can significantly harm your teeth and gums due to increased plaque. Talk with your dentist if you experience a dry mouth that causes your teeth to feel fuzzy after taking medication. Dentists often have solutions such as artificial saliva, fluoride treatments, or prescription medications to stimulate saliva production.
How to Prevent Fuzzy Teeth
The best way to prevent your fuzzy teeth is by:
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Brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Flossing with the proper technique daily.
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Using a mouthwash that is recommended by your dentist.
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Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
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Minimizing the amount of sugary and unhealthy starchy foods you consume.
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Stay hydrated every day.
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Learning the side effects of any medication you take.
Schedule Appointment
Healthy teeth and gums give you a bright smile and are essential for optimal health and wellness. Contact Trident Dental to learn more about preventing plaque buildup that causes fuzzy teeth.