Why Do My Teeth Feel Rough?

Your teeth are some of the most important tools that your body has access to, responsible for your ability to eat, speak, laugh, and more. That said, when something doesn’t seem quite right with them and they begin to feel a little rough or worn around the edges, you might be feeling very concerned about their well-being. Continue reading below to learn a little more from your trusted dentist about why teeth can sometimes begin to feel rough, and what you should do to prevent the issue from worsening.

What Causes Teeth to Feel Rough?

When your teeth feel rough to the touch, what you’re feeling is their outermost layer, known as the enamel. It’s technically the hardest substance in your body and acts as a protective shield for your teeth, but unfortunately, it’s not entirely invincible and several things can threaten and compromise it if you aren’t careful. This is often caused by acid erosion, but sometimes other injuries including physical trauma can trigger it. It’s also sometimes caused by tartar buildup resulting from inadequate oral hygiene. But in any case, it can lead to it not feeling as smooth as usual; not to mention, it also means their health is at risk since their shield is down!

Reasons for Enamel Erosion

Some common causes for this erosion include but aren’t limited to:

• Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits are all quite acidic and can erode your teeth when eaten frequently.
• Frequently consuming beverages that are sugary and acidic, like coffee and soda, can also cause enamel erosion.
• If you suffer from acid reflux, which can be triggered by certain foods or even allergies, you might experience the issue.
• Swimming in a chlorinated pool is also linked to an increase in enamel erosion, especially if you’re swimming with your mouth open underwater.
• Women who are pregnant might also experience increased enamel erosion due to an increase in acidity.

Tips for Protecting Your Enamel

Enamel erosion is a very serious threat to your oral health—but luckily, there are several things you can do to curb its impact and ensure that your pearly whites remain beautiful and resilient. Here are some tips worth keeping in mind:

• Try to limit your intake of sugary or acidic foods and drinks; moderation is easier than you think!
• Consider using hygiene products that contain fluoride, as well as eating a calcium-rich diet, to assist with the remineralization of your tooth enamel.
• Drink fluoridated tap water, chew sugarless gum, avoid smoking or using tobacco products, and make other health-conscious lifestyle choices that’ll encourage healthy enamel.

About the Practice

Under the experienced leadership of Dr. Ukti D. Phadnis, the team at West Hartford Dental Group is excited to offer families in the West Hartford community a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get an appointment on your calendar, you can contact the practice online or by phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (860) 236-4249.