The most common reason your teeth feel dirty, often described as a fuzzy film when you rub your tongue against them, is the **buildup of plaque**.
As the reference states, **"If you rub your tongue against the front of your teeth, you may feel a fuzzy film if it's been a while since you've brushed."** This feeling is particularly noticeable at certain times, such as **early in the morning or late at night**.
## What is Plaque?
The fuzzy film you feel is called **plaque**. Plaque is a sticky substance that constantly forms on your teeth. It is essentially **"the buildup of bacteria on teeth."** These bacteria feed on sugars and starches from the food and drinks you consume.
When plaque accumulates, it creates that unpleasant fuzzy or rough texture on the surface of your teeth, making them feel unclean.
## When is this Feeling Most Noticeable?
According to the reference, the fuzzy, dirty feeling of plaque is especially true **early in the morning or late at night**. This is often because bacteria have had several hours to multiply undisturbed while you were sleeping, or because it's been a long time since your last brushing.
## Other Contributing Factors
While plaque is the primary culprit, other things can contribute to your teeth feeling less than perfectly clean:
* **Food Particles:** Sometimes, simply having small bits of food stuck between teeth or on surfaces can create a sensation of dirtiness.
* **Dry Mouth:** Saliva helps wash away bacteria and food particles. When your mouth is dry, plaque and debris can accumulate more easily.
* **Certain Foods and Drinks:** Sugary or sticky foods can leave residues that make teeth feel coated or unclean.
## How to Combat the Dirty Feeling
The best way to get rid of and prevent your teeth from feeling dirty is through consistent oral hygiene:
* **Regular Brushing:** Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. This physically removes the plaque buildup.
* **Daily Flossing:** Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline where your brush can't reach.
* **Mouthwash:** Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, although it's not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
* **Stay Hydrated:** Drinking water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth moist, reducing dry mouth.
* **Regular Dental Check-ups:** Your dentist and hygienist can remove hardened plaque (calculus or tartar) that you can't remove with brushing and flossing alone.
By keeping plaque under control, you can significantly reduce that uncomfortable dirty or fuzzy feeling on your teeth.
