How to Stop Rubbing Your Tongue on Teeth
Do you frequently find yourself rubbing your tongue on your teeth? If you are experiencing this, it may be because of a misalignment of the two halves of your jaw. TMJ disorder can cause several symptoms, including pain in the face or jaw, tightness or locking of the jaw joint, earaches, or headaches that get better when pressing on specific points around the ear.
Tongue-rubbing is just one symptom that can arise from an upper back molar being pushed into a lower front tooth. In this blog post, we will show you how to stop rubbing your tongue on teeth. So let’s get started!
What is Tongue-Rubbing?
Tongue-rubbing, also known as tongue-thrusting, is a habit that involves pushing the tongue against the front teeth or protruding it between the upper and lower teeth. This can occur during swallowing, speaking, or even when the tongue is at rest. It may seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually cause damage to your teeth and jaw over time. As the tongue pushes against the teeth, it can create pressure and wear down the enamel, leading to crooked or misaligned teeth.
You may also develop a tongue thrust if you have a habit of sucking on your thumb or fingers, as this can push the front teeth forward and cause an overbite. It can also be a result of an underlying issue such as TMJ disorder or an overactive tongue muscle.
Why Do You Need To Stop Rubbing Your Tongue on Teeth?
Rubbing your tongue against the hard enamel of your teeth can irritate you. This reaction called the “rebound phenomenon,” makes your language feel itchy and irritated for a few hours after you stop rubbing it on the teeth.
Your reaction might be made worse by acid reflux or an allergy to something in toothpaste, mouthwash, or food. Also, rubbing your tongue against the hard enamel of your teeth can irritate you. Left unchecked, this reaction can result in a sore tongue that is painful and uncomfortable.
Moreover, the repeated pushing of the tongue against the teeth can cause damage to both your teeth and jaw. Over time, it may lead to tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and even jaw misalignment. Therefore, it is essential to find ways to stop rubbing your tongue on your teeth before it causes any further problems.
What Can You Do About It?
You can protect yourself from this side effect by avoiding things that make it worse. These include:
- Acid reflux or heartburn, especially if you take certain medications for them
- Some foods and drinks
- Mouthwash
- Toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming agent) or similar chemicals
- Any other toothpaste you think might be causing irritation
- Oral habits such as tongue-thrusting, thumb-sucking, or nail-biting
Things to Consider Before You Start Rubbing Your Tongue on Teeth:
Before you start rubbing your tongue on your teeth, it is essential to consider the harmful effects it can have on your oral health. Some tips to keep in mind are:
- Consult with a dentist or orthodontist if you notice any changes in your bite or suspect TMJ disorder.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily to prevent any issues with your teeth and gums.
- Avoid habits that can cause tongue-thrusting, such as thumb-sucking or nail-biting.
- Be aware of the ingredients in your toothpaste and mouthwash and switch to a gentle formula if you experience irritation.
- Pay attention to your acid reflux symptoms and avoid trigger foods to reduce the likelihood of tongue-rubbing.
- Implement relaxation techniques to reduce tension in your jaw and prevent tongue-rubbing as a form of stress relief.
- Consider seeking professional help if you struggle to stop the habit on your own.
- Remember to be patient with yourself and give yourself time to break the habit. It may take some effort, but it is worth it for your oral health.
- Keep in mind that everyone’s journey is different, and what may work for others may not work for you. Experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.
10 Ways on How to Stop Rubbing Your Tongue on Teeth:
1. Change Your Toothbrush:
You may think that a toothbrush is a toothbrush, but even your toothbrush can affect how often you rub your tongue on your teeth. You want to try using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. This will help you clean your teeth without irritating your gums and tongue. The bristles will be gentle enough to not cause any discomfort while brushing. The small head will also allow you to reach all areas of your mouth, including the back of your teeth. But remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or if the bristles start to fray.
2. Stop Toothpaste:
There are many harmful chemicals in traditional toothpaste, such as fluoride, silica, saccharin, and triclosan. Therefore, if you are using traditional toothpaste every day, switching your toothpaste to a more natural brand is best. Natural toothpaste will not contain any of these harmful chemicals, reducing the likelihood of tongue rubbing. You can also try making your own toothpaste at home using natural ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil.
It’s important to note that some people may be sensitive to certain natural ingredients as well, so it’s best to experiment and see what works for you. But always make sure to check the ingredients before purchasing any toothpaste.
3. Rinse Out Mouth With Salt Water:
This method uses the saline solution found in our mouths to help eliminate food particles stuck on the tongue. This helps to minimize the bacteria that cause odor and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the mouth. You can make your own saltwater rinse by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this process a few times a day to keep your mouth clean and fresh.
It’s important to note that if you have any cuts or sores in your mouth, saltwater rinse may cause some discomfort. In this case, you can try using a mild antiseptic mouthwash instead.
4. Mouthwash:
Mouthwash can be an effective way to cleanse your mouth and remove bacteria. However, there are many different types of mouthwashes, and it is best to use a non-chemical one that uses natural ingredients such as grapefruit seed extract or bentonite clay. But remember to follow the instructions on the bottle and not to swallow the mouthwash.
You can also make your own mouthwash at home using natural ingredients like tea tree oil and peppermint oil. This will not only help eliminate bacteria but also leave your mouth feeling fresh.
5. Clean Tongue With Listerine or Alcohol:
Alcohol can be used as an effective way to clean the tongue and remove bacteria. Use alcohol mixed with water as a solution, and use it as a mouthwash for 5 minutes each day. The brushing action of the tongue combined with the disinfecting properties of alcohol can be effective for this purpose.
You can also use Listerine, which has antibacterial properties and can help remove bacteria from your tongue. However, be cautious as alcohol-based mouthwashes can also dry out your mouth and cause other oral health problems.
6. Mouth Exercises:
One way to eliminate your habit of tongue rubbing is by strengthening the muscles in your mouth. One way you can do this is by using a straw to firmly suck on an object placed between your teeth. The constant force applied will help strengthen the muscles in your mouth, including those that control the tongue. You can also try chewing gum or practicing other oral exercises to improve muscle strength and minimize tongue rubbing.
You may also want to consult with a speech therapist or dentist for specific exercises tailored to your needs. It’s important to be consistent with these exercises in order to see results.
7. Chewing Gum:
Chewing gum stimulates saliva, which helps cleanse the mouth and reduce bad breath over time. This method creates a positive feedback loop by eliminating the bad breath and increasing saliva production. Chewing gum can also help reduce the urge to rub your tongue on your teeth as it keeps your mouth occupied.
It is important to choose sugar-free chewing gum to prevent any potential damage to your teeth. You should also avoid chewing gum for extended periods of time as it can put strain on your jaw muscles.
8. Practice Thorough Brushing:
The tongue is a susceptible part of the mouth, and it can be hard to brush that area because you can’t see it well. Try putting toothpaste on the lower part of the bristles to create more friction and allow you to brush more thoroughly. Make sure to brush your tongue regularly as it can help remove bacteria and plaque that has accumulated on the surface.
It’s important to be gentle when brushing your tongue as it is a sensitive area. Avoid using too much pressure as it can cause irritation or injury.
9. Regular Dental Checkups:
Your tongue-brushing habit may be caused by a problem with your teeth, such as an old filling or cavity. You should see your dentist regularly to make sure that there are no problems in the mouth and make you aware of any potential issues.
However, to prevent any potential problems with your teeth, you should schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups. This will not only help keep your mouth healthy but also reduce the risk of tongue rubbing.
10. Control Your Stress:
Stress is one of the leading causes of bad habits such as tongue brushing. Stress can cause all types of issues, including mental health, digestive problems, and physical pain. The best way to control stress is by practicing meditation or yoga through exercise or other methods. However, a possible side effect may be that it makes your teeth sensitive over time due to increased saliva production.
You can try other relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, listening to calming music, or going for a walk in nature. Finding activities that help you reduce stress can also improve your overall oral health and reduce the urge to rub your tongue on your teeth.
Getting Rid of the Itchy, Irritated Feeling in Your Mouth
If you’re experiencing an itchy, irritated mouth from rubbing your tongue on your teeth, you can do a few things to help relieve the sensation. Drinking cool water or rinsing with salt water is probably the simplest solution. If you don’t like the taste of saltwater, try sucking on a piece of ice or placing an ice cube in your mouth for a few moments. Another thing that tends to help is brushing the tongue with toothpaste.
The minty flavor gives you a fresh taste in your mouth while helping to get rid of the dead skin cells that are irritating your tongue. Some people have found relief from the itchy, irritating sensation by using a tongue scraper. This is a small tool with a semi-flat edge on one side that is perpendicularly cut into the other to scrape the tongue’s surface clean.
Some Tips and Suggestions:
1. Try to push your tongue against the inside of your cheek while you’re sleeping. After doing this for some time, it will become a habit, and you won’t do it during the day anymore.
2. If all else fails, wear some removable dental guard that holds your tongue down while you sleep.
3. Try sleeping with your mouth open and breathing through it so that you don’t automatically want to breathe through your nose.
4. If you still can’t stop, try putting a piece of tape on your tongue. It will feel extremely weird and uncomfortable, but it works great.
Overall, finding ways to reduce stress and improve oral hygiene can greatly help eliminate the habit of tongue rubbing. It’s important to be consistent with these methods and seek professional help if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can Tongue Rubbing on Teeth Cause Damage?
A: Yes, rubbing your tongue against your teeth for extended periods of time can cause damage to the enamel and lead to oral health problems such as tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and tooth decay. The constant friction can also cause irritation and inflammation in the tongue, resulting in discomfort. The best way to prevent this damage is by addressing the underlying cause of tongue rubbing and practicing good oral hygiene habits.
Q: Is Tongue Rubbing a Sign of Anxiety?
A: Tongue rubbing can be a sign of anxiety or stress. It may also be a habit that develops from childhood and continues into adulthood. If you find yourself rubbing your tongue on your teeth often, it is important to identify any underlying anxiety or stress and work on managing it in healthy ways. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional if the habit is causing harm or discomfort.
Q: Can Tongue Rubbing Cause Bad Breath?
A: Yes, constant rubbing of the tongue against the teeth can lead to bacteria buildup and cause bad breath. Implementing proper oral hygiene habits and addressing the root cause of tongue rubbing can help improve bad breath over time. Chewing sugar-free gum and regularly brushing your tongue can also help reduce bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.
Q: Can I Wear a Mouthguard to Prevent Tongue Rubbing?
A: Some individuals find relief from wearing a mouthguard while sleeping to prevent tongue rubbing. However, it’s important to consult with a dentist first to determine if this is the right solution for you. A mouthguard may also help reduce teeth grinding and clenching, which can contribute to tongue rubbing.
Overall, finding healthy ways to manage stress and improve oral hygiene habits are key in preventing tongue rubbing and its potential consequences on oral health. Remember to also seek professional help if the habit persists or causes discomfort.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you are a person who constantly rubs their tongue against the teeth in your mouth, it may be time to visit an orthodontist. The dentist can help you find out what is causing this behavior and provide treatment options for correcting the issue. However, if that does not work or is too expensive, then other things can help prevent or stop the problem from happening again.
One option could be wearing a retainer at night when going to bed! There might also be some behavioral therapy techniques that will involve identifying why someone feels they need to do this act of rubbing their tongue on teeth and finding ways to stop them from doing so without feeling like something needs fixing about themselves. We hope this blog post on how to stop rubbing your tongue on teeth has been helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
