I Keep Rubbing My Tongue On My Teeth
Do you have the habit of rubbing your tongue on your teeth constantly? If yes, then you are not alone. Many people have this habit, and it is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can be a way of relieving stress or anxiety. However, if you find yourself doing it too often and it is starting to cause discomfort or pain, then it might be time to take a closer look at the reason behind it.
What Causes the Habit of Rubbing Tongue on Teeth?
There are several reasons why someone might rub their tongue on their teeth. Here are some of the most common causes:
Anxiety or Stress
When we are feeling anxious or stressed, we tend to clench our jaw or grind our teeth. Rubbing our tongue on our teeth can be a way of releasing that tension.
Dry Mouth
If you have a dry mouth, you might find yourself rubbing your tongue on your teeth to create more saliva. This can be caused by medications, dehydration, or certain medical conditions.
Oral Fixation
Some people have an oral fixation, which means they have a strong desire to put things in their mouth or play with their tongue. This can lead to the habit of rubbing their tongue on their teeth.
Is Rubbing Tongue on Teeth Harmful?
While rubbing your tongue on your teeth is not necessarily harmful, doing it too often or too hard can lead to some negative effects. Here are some of the potential harms:
Wearing down of Teeth
If you rub your tongue on your teeth too often or too hard, it can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear down. This can lead to sensitivity, cavities, and other dental problems.
Misaligned Teeth
Constantly rubbing your tongue on your teeth can also lead to misalignment of your teeth. This can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and other dental issues.
How to Stop the Habit of Rubbing Tongue on Teeth?
If you find that you are rubbing your tongue on your teeth too often and it is causing discomfort or dental problems, then it might be time to break the habit. Here are some tips:
Identify the Trigger
Try to identify what triggers the habit of rubbing your tongue on your teeth. Is it stress, anxiety, or boredom? Once you know the trigger, you can find a better way to deal with it.
Relaxation Techniques
If stress or anxiety is the trigger, try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Chew Gum
If your mouth feels dry, try chewing sugarless gum to create more saliva. This can help reduce the need to rub your tongue on your teeth.
Replace the Habit
If you have an oral fixation, try replacing the habit of rubbing your tongue on your teeth with something else such as chewing on a toothpick or playing with a fidget toy.
Conclusion
Rubbing your tongue on your teeth can be a harmless habit, but if it is causing discomfort or dental problems, then it might be time to break the habit. Try identifying the trigger, practicing relaxation techniques, chewing gum, or replacing the habit with something else. Remember, a healthy mouth leads to a healthy body!
