Broken teeth can be caused by a hobby of eating sour-tasting fruit

Maybe all this time you only know that sweet foods make cavities. In fact, fruits that taste sour can also damage teeth - albeit in different ways.

Why do tamarind fruit make teeth damaged?

The acidic pH in some fruits can erode the natural minerals that make up enamel. Enamel (enamel) is the hardest and outermost layer of teeth, which you can see when you look in the mirror. This erosion process is called tooth erosion.

Continuous exposure to acids by the teeth will further weaken the surface structure of the teeth, causing the dentin (middle layer of the tooth) to open. Loss of enamel on the teeth can cause the surface or shape of the teeth to become uneven, teeth shorten, sensitive teeth, or even break.

According to research, the pH that can damage teeth is equal to or below 5.5. Examples of sour fruits that can damage teeth are lemons because these yellow fruits have a high acidity level. Other fruits that are at risk of tooth decay are grapes, pineapples, mangoes, oranges, and other fruits that taste very sour.

Can a tooth be damaged immediately after one meal of fruit?

Certainly not. The risk of tooth decay only occurs if you constantly eat excessive portions of tamarind.

How quickly tooth decay occurs afterward also depends on how you eat it. Teeth can be damaged quickly if the fruit is consumed by sucking or chewing directly from the fruit pieces. Drinking orange juice with a straw, for example, will have less of an impact on teeth.

Another thing that affects the risk of tooth decay is how strong your teeth are and how you brush your teeth so far. If you are a person who rarely brushes your teeth, of course the risk of tooth decay can occur faster and worse.

Can a tooth that has been damaged be repaired?

Can. However, you must first get your teeth checked by a dentist. A tooth that has been eroded or even has a cavity can be filled by a doctor.

If the damage is widespread, the dentist can recommend dental crown . Dental crowns are procedures to place a dental sheath over a damaged tooth. Dental crowns are also called denture crowns.

Healthy tips for eating fruit so as not to damage your teeth

Even though tamarind fruit has the risk of causing tooth decay, it doesn't mean that you should avoid eating fruit altogether. These fruits are still important for maintaining a healthy body.

It is the wrong way to eat fruit that can increase your risk of tooth decay. Here are healthy tips for eating tamarind fruit so that you can still get the benefits, while protecting dental health:

• Consumption of tamarind fruit in the form of juice is better than the whole form. However, make fruit juice by adding lots of sugar. The combination of the sour taste of the fruit and the sweetness of sugar can also cause tooth decay.
• Choose the right time to eat fruit. It is better to eat tamarind fruit at the main meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). Avoid eating tamarind as a snack.
• Do not take long time to eat tamarind fruit. Chewing too long or leaving the tamarind in the mouth will further increase the effect of tooth enamel erosion.
• Gargle plain water after eating tamarind fruit. Drinking fresh milk can also be an option for maintaining healthy teeth after eating fruit.
• If you want to brush your teeth, leave it at least 30 minutes after that. Teeth that have just been exposed to acids are more prone to damage if they are given direct pressure such as when brushing their teeth.
• Brush your teeth gently with soft bristles. Excessive pressure when brushing your teeth can worsen the damage caused by acids.
• Expand to eat more fruit that can strengthen teeth, such as kiwi, cranberries, apples and strawberries.

Also Read: