Why Do My Teeth Feel Gooey When I Wake Up?

After a good night sleep, you want to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed. Something that could certainly take away from a fresh start is waking up in the morning with your teeth feeling gooey or sticky. So, what seems to be causing this gooey feeling?

Well, it really has to deal with bacteria. On any surface, especially the teeth, bacteria can form a thin layer called “biofilm,” which can stick. The thin biofilm consists of plaque from the bacteria and food particles. Unfortunately, this is what is causing the unpleasant “gooey” feeling when you wake up in the morning. Although, you should not be alarmed because even individuals, who brush, floss and rinse with a mouthwash before bed can experience this feeling in the morning. What you should be concerned with is brushing your teeth after you wake up to get rid of as much bacteria on the teeth as possible.

If you do not remove the “gooeyness” of biofilm that has stuck on your teeth, you are increasing your chances of developing more bacteria or tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease. Over time, if the plaque on your teeth is not removed regularly, the minerals from your saliva are deposited into the plaque biofilm causing it to harden within 24 to 72 hours, turning into tartar. When the tartar sticks to the teeth it can cause the gums to become inflamed or bleed, which are early signs of gum disease. Once tartar has formed, only a dental professional can remove the tartar during a cleaning.

Tips for Plaque Removal:

1. Brushing your teeth twice a day to ensure that you are removing adequate amounts of plaque from the teeth can help to reduce plaque. By using an electric toothbrush, you are increasing the effectiveness of plaque removal since an electric toothbrush provides more power than a manual toothbrush.
2. Flossing before bed can reduce the amount of plaque that is between the teeth.
3. Using an alcohol-free mouthwash helps to kill bacteria in the mouth overnight and prevent regrowth of bacteria.

If you are experiencing a significant increased amount of “gooeyness” in the morning or you haven’t had your teeth professionally cleaned, it may be in your best interest to call Wells Family Dental Group for an appointment as soon as possible. We have a team of excellent dental hygienists who can clean your teeth and leave you feeling refreshed with a beautiful smile!