When you run your tongue along the front of your teeth, do they feel smooth? The fact is that a healthy tooth surface should be smooth and if yours feels rough, this could potentially indicate that there is a likelihood of dental issues not too far around the corner. Before we look at that though, and what we can do to help, let us take a look at some of the things that could be causing it.
Some people have a tendency to brush their teeth too hard, thinking that they are giving them a thorough clean. Unfortunately, this can cause the enamel to wear down, especially if you do this too soon after eating when the enamel softens a little. You should leave at least half an hour after eating before brushing your teeth and should do so in a gentle circular manner, especially if you use an electric toothbrush. Beware too, if you use a teeth whitening toothpaste, as some, but not all, include additional abrasive materials which can also worsen this problem.
Many soft drinks, and especially fizzy ones, are not just high in sugar but also often contain high amounts of acids, often in the form of citric acid. While this can add a pleasant ‘zing’ to the taste, it will also contribute to the wearing down of the enamel on the front of your teeth. Indeed, it is considered to be one of the worst offenders for this, especially ‘sports’ or ‘energy’ drinks. You should avoid these as much as possible and ideally, make water your main thirst quencher. If you do drink these acidic drinks and refuse to change, at least try to drink through a straw to reduce contact with the teeth.
While smoking is very bad news for your oral and general health (and your pocket), vaping may not be a healthy option either. Much is still not known about the full effects yet but it appears that many of them have a quite high acidic content which comes into contact with your teeth through the vapour and will damage the surface of the teeth.
If you have a dry mouth, bacteria and other minerals won’t be washed away efficiently, leading to a rougher tooth surface. Do try to drink plenty of water. Chewing sugar free gum may help as well.
Although not as serious as the previously mentioned issues, a rough tooth surface will attract and hold staining materials, hiding them in the tiny pits in the tooth surface which makes it hard for them to be removed with brushing etc. Preventing this from happening is likely to leave you with whiter and cleaner teeth.
Apart from the way that your teeth feel, what issues are likely if you have a rough surface on your teeth? The answer to this depends whether this is caused by a build up of material on the surface, often known as ‘tartar’ or whether the enamel has eroded.
The main issue here is that you could be heading towards problems with your gums. Gingivitis is an early stage of this and periodontitis a more advanced stage. It is this latter one that is especially harmful and could cause your teeth to become loose and potentially even fall out. The best way to prevent this is by a good oral health regime and having a scale and polish procedure with our Clarence Dental Practice hygienist every six months or so.
Where this problem has caused staining or discoloration; while a scale and polish can help a little, a teeth whitening procedure is likely to prove the most effective method to correct this. You should talk to one of our Staines dentists to determine the best course of action to take and certainly not rely on any potentially harmful DIY suggestions you might find online.
Erosion is an issue as enamel is the protective part of the tooth which prevents bacteria from entering the inner part of the tooth, causing decay and potentially, root canal infections. Anyone with compromised enamel may also experience sometimes painful levels of tooth sensitivity. There are various options available to restore teeth affected in this way and that includes cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers.
Having a rougher surface to your teeth may not appear to be a serious issue, but it can certainly lead to them. Preventative dental care, with regular visits to our local dentist and hygienist will play a big role in keeping the surface smoother and your teeth and gums more healthy. If you would like to discuss this further or arrange an appointment with us, please call the Clarence Dental Practice in Staines today on 01784 463 695.
Address: 21a Clarence Street, Staines upon Thames, Surrey, TW18 4SU
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