Why do my teeth feel gritty

Home About Us. Meet Dr. All rights reserved. We treat every patient as though they were our own family! Click here to learn more and call us today! Sometimes, the gritty feeling on your teeth when brushing could be a result of tarter build-up.

Most of the time, this happens on your lower teeth due to the salivary gland's presence at the lower part of your mouth. If you suddenly find that your enamel is crumbling, you might wonder, why do my teeth feel chalky? Chalky teeth mostly occur in kids, and if you're experiencing a chalky feeling in your mouth, most likely, it's a temporary sensation.

Chalky teeth in kids, however, can be quite serious. Find out what to do if your child develops chalky teeth so that they get the right treatment as soon as possible. For instance, if the enamel has an abnormal color, either being whiter than usual or having shades of cream, brown, or yellow. Sometimes the enamel crumbles easily and appears dull, unlike the shiny and smooth appearance of regular enamel. You may also see pits and grooves on your enamel from some angles.

If you notice discoloration, it may be a small spot or patch or affect the entire tooth. Chalky teeth are more likely to occur in children. According to the D3 Group , 1 in 5 children have chalky teeth, and kids who have chalky teeth face a 10x higher risk of tooth decay. Chalky molars are the most common type of chalky teeth and are also called molar hypomineralisation. It should also be noted that the 6-year molars otherwise known as the first permanent molars to erupt are the most likely to have molar hypomineralisation.

Now that we know what chalky teeth are, it's time to distinguish between having chalky teeth and having a chalky feeling in the mouth. Certain foods like spinach or strawberries are high in oxalic acid, and when this acid combines with the calcium in your body, it might leave you with a chalky feeling in the mouth. This feeling is usually temporary and goes away if you rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash. However, eating a lot of foods like bread and pasta increase plaque buildup as well.

When plaque builds up, it creates an acid. This acid is powerful and starts to damage the teeth enamel. This damage leads to cavities, decay, and gum disease like gingivitis. In severe cases, plaque buildup leads to gum and bone degradation, known as periodontitis. The bacteria can cause more problems if it reaches your bloodstream. This can lead to cardiovascular disease. This is another good reason to brush and floss regularly.

If the plaque is not taken care of, it sits and hardens. When it hardens into tartar, it continues destroying your teeth. This sensation may be the result of dry mouth, a disorder that is happening because your saliva flow is seriously lacking.

Remember, drinking more water is always to your benefit. If your teeth are coated in plaque and tartar, they will most certainly feel grimy. Whatever the case, we encourage you to schedule a checkup with us sooner than later, so you can protect your oral health from decay and other problems.