Emergency Dental Work: Topics, Tricks and Tips

Posted on: 25 October 2022

Do your teeth feel like they have a dirty, fuzzy, or filmy coating when you run your tongue over them? Even if you brush your teeth every morning and night, that doesn't mean they'll keep that clean feeling all day.

A filmy feeling in your mouth is typically caused by plaque: a sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth as you eat, drink, and go about your day. But what causes it to build up, and how can you tackle the problem? Here are three possible factors to look at, along with how your dental centre may be able to help.

1. You didn't brush well enough

One of the most common causes of a filmy feeling is simple: you didn't brush your teeth for long enough, or you haven't brushed them properly.

When you clean your teeth, you should aim to brush for at least two minutes using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth too, including the front, back, and edges as well as your tongue (which can harbour just as much bacteria). 

If you're not sure whether you're brushing your teeth correctly, talk to your dentist. They'll be able to demonstrate proper brushing techniques and give you other tips for keeping your smile clean and healthy.

2. You need a new toothpaste

The wrong choice of toothpaste could also lead your teeth to feel filmy throughout the day. These days, the dental market is filled with different brands and types of toothpaste, each with different ingredients. Naturally, some of these kinds of toothpaste clean better than others, with certain ingredients doing a better job at fighting off plaque.

If you find that your teeth still feel filmy despite brushing correctly, you may want to try switching to a different toothpaste. Again, your dentist will be able to recommend a brand of toothpaste they trust, and they may even supply specialist toothpaste that isn't available on the everyday market.

3. You have dry mouth

If you constantly have a filmy feeling in your mouth that doesn't wane when brushing or changing toothpaste, it could be down to a condition known as dry mouth. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when your glands don't produce enough saliva to keep things moist.

For many, dry mouth is often caused by a medical condition (such as anxiety or diabetes). Certain types of medication can also lead to dry mouth, including pills for high blood pressure and depression.

Saliva is key in keeping plaque at bay, washing away bacteria and other harmful substances. However, if you have dry mouth, you may not have enough saliva to prevent plaque buildup, leading to that uncomfortable filmy feeling.

If you think you may have dry mouth, it's best to talk to your dentist or doctor. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend treatments to help alleviate the symptoms. This might include using a saliva substitute, changing your medication, or adjusting your diet.

Reach out to a local dental centre to learn more.