Like many people these days, you’re probably used to your teeth feeling smooth to the touch. This sensation is what you’ve come to expect from your pearly whites day in and day out. All that said, what should you make of it when your teeth feel rough? Your McMinnville dentist is here to help you settle the matter, so please rest assured. Read on to learn why rough teeth point to enamel erosion, as well as how to best address them.
Context: Strong Enamel Feels Smooth
Before you go further, you should learn why your teeth normally feel smooth. You’ll then have a better grasp of what it means when their texture gets rough.
The outermost layer of your teeth – your enamel – feels smooth when it’s strong. After all, a level surface indicates this part of your smile is intact and hasn’t been damaged much. A smooth texture shows your enamel is largely present and shielding your grin against harmful germs and debris.
Of course, you wouldn’t expect your enamel to go away easily. It’s the hardest substance in your body, even outranking your various bones. Something would really be wrong if the layer went missing.
Rough Teeth = Eroded Enamel
Given the facts above, rough teeth aren’t something to celebrate. They’re a sign that your tooth enamel is facing severe levels of erosion.
Your enamel can erode or wear away due to various issues. For instance, drinking lots of acidic and sugary soda will cause the layer to slowly degrade. The same applies to bad oral habits like teeth grinding or nail biting; such practices can chip at your enamel bit by bit until your smile weakens.
Should your enamel erode, you won’t just end up with rough teeth. You’ll also face an increased risk of tooth sensitivity, cavities, and even oral infections.
Can You “Fix” Rough Teeth?
If there’s any good news, it’s that you can “fix” rough teeth to some extent. Some good ways to do so from home (or while on-the-go) include:
- Drink Fluoridated Water – When you drink fluoridated water, the contained fluoride fights your decay by remaining in your saliva. The mineral will eventually be absorbed by your enamel.
- Brush with Special Toothpaste – To reinforce your smile’s outer layer, brush twice daily with special enamel-enhancing toothpaste.
- Chew Sugar-free Gum – Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which cleanses your enamel and remineralizes your teeth.
You mustn’t panic when your teeth feel rough, as odd as the sensation might be. You should instead use the tips above and see your dentist for appropriate help!
About the Practice
Evans Street Dental is based in McMinnville, OR. Led by Dr. Natalya Ramsey, our practice aims to give every patient the excellent dentistry they deserve. We thus offer truly comprehensive oral care, with our options including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments. Whether you want a dental checkup or top-tier dental implants, our team is ready and eager to help! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (503)-472-1402.