You wake up in the morning feeling like your teeth are covered in a thick layer of fuzz. You brush them in the hope of getting rid of this feeling. However, it doesn’t go away. This makes you think, “Why do my teeth feel grainy?”
The culprit in this situation can be the dental plaque. Oral health professionals recognize it as a biofilm. Brushing surely helps, but you might find out that it’s not a long-term solution. So let’s discuss this issue further.
Causes of Grainy Teeth
Your dental surfaces should feel smooth when you run your tongue over them. However, if they feel grainy or chalky, the following are some causes:
- Hypomineralization
Hypomineralization is when tooth enamel doesn’t have enough minerals. Such insufficiency makes it feel chalky. Causes behind this lack of minerals include: - Premature birth or low birth weight
- High fevers, metabolic disorders, or poor health in early childhood
- Genetic conditions like amelogenesis imperfecta
- Prenatal issues such as maternal vitamin D deficiency, drug use, or smoking
- High-Oxalate Foods
Eating foods high in oxalic acid, like spinach, beets, rhubarb, and kale, can cause calcium oxalate crystals to build up on your teeth. This results in a grainy texture. - Plaque Buildup
An excess of plaque and tartar can make your teeth feel rough and fuzzy. This can be due to poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugary or starchy foods.
How to Get Rid of Gritty Feeling on Teeth?
A healthy enamel feels smooth. The enamel under acidic attack or dental plaque can feel like a sponge. Some people might feel uneasy, so the following is what you can do:
- Brushing and Flossing
If your teeth feel sticky, start brushing and flossing. This helps remove plaque and oxalate crystals. Use a good toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. Brush twice a day and floss once. Rinse your mouth after meals, but avoid brushing too much to protect your enamel. - Drinking Plenty of Water
Drinking water hydrates your mouth, promotes saliva, and helps prevent tooth decay. It also washes away food particles that bacteria feed on. Fluoride-infused water is especially good for strengthening teeth and preventing that fuzzy feeling. - Monitoring Your Diet
You don’t need to cut out oxalic-rich foods like spinach and kale. However, cooking them can reduce their acid content. Limit vitamin C intake, as too much can increase oxalic production. Restrict your intake of citrus fruits due to their citric acid. Regular dentist visits help maintain enamel and fight erosion. - Eating Less Junk Food
Cutting down on sugary and starchy foods reduces plaque. Soda, potato chips, pickles, candy, and popcorn are especially harmful to teeth. Eat these in moderation and rinse your mouth afterward. - Consuming Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that prevents plaque growth. Replace refined sugars with xylitol to help maintain oral hygiene. Use xylitol a few times daily but not in excess to avoid digestive issues. Xylitol is present in toothpaste, mouthwash, lozenges, candy, gum, and mints. - Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, reducing plaque-caused acid and relieving dry mouth symptoms. Choose gum with xylitol for better results. - Visiting the Dentist Regularly
Regular dentist visits ensure thorough cleaning and removal of hard-to-reach plaque and tartar that brushing at home can’t handle.
Closing Note
Brushing removes plaque from teeth, but only to an extent. That’s why people feel strange and ask, “Why do my teeth feel grainy?” Professional dental cleanings twice or once a year can keep your teeth shiny and smooth.
You can visit our dentists at Village Park Family Dentists of Cypress. Our facility provides numerous solutions for all your dental problems. Call us at (281) 376-4444 for an appointment.