Have you ever noticed that your teeth feel fuzzy after eating certain foods or after it’s been a particularly long time since you last brushed? Healthy teeth should feel smooth, and that unusual fuzzy feeling on your teeth is actually due to plaque.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms and builds up on your teeth. It forms when saliva and food combine. Saliva contains bacteria (up to 600 different kinds!) that are fed by the food we eat. These bacteria multiply and, particularly in the case of sugars and starches, can produce damaging acids that corrode the teeth’s enamel. When you allow dental plaque to linger on the surface of the teeth, it can lead to tooth decay and the wearing away of your enamel.
How to Fight the Fuzz
Here are some easy strategies for keeping that fuzzy feeling at bay.
- Brush and floss thoroughly and regularly.
- Remember to visit the dentist twice a year for your regular checkups.
- Drink lots of water.
- Cut back on the sugars and starches in your diet.
Plaque Buildup
Plague that is not removed by regular brushing and flossing can harden into tartar, which is sometimes called calculus. To remove tartar buildup, you’ll need to visit the dentist’s office to get a professional cleaning.
Dr. Tin and the team at Villa Vista Dental care about your oral health (and how it impacts your overall health too!). When you come to our stress-free office, we will clean your teeth and check for any signs of tooth decay. If you are having trouble with that fuzzy-teeth feeling, don’t hesitate to talk to us about your oral hygiene habits, together we’ll figure out how to improve your plaque-fighting technique!
Have more dental questions or want to make an appointment?