The average American eats 43 quarts of popcorn during their lifetime, whether that’s topped with butter, kettle-cooked, or comes in a steaming hot bucket at a movie theater. The unfortunate side of popcorn being one of the most popular snacks in the nation is that the kernels are often the cause of dental emergencies. Read on to learn more about how popcorn can impact your smile, and why you should eat with caution.
Dental Problems Associated with Popcorn
Popcorn can increase your risk of a trip to the emergency dentist for a variety of reasons, including:
- A Damaged Restoration: The kernels of popcorn are hard enough to damage a dental crown, filling, or even dental implant when you bite down on them hard enough. This fatal mistake could be the cause of a costly replacement restoration and unexpected emergency dental trip.
- A Kernel Stuck Between the Teeth: If you’ve eaten popcorn before, you likely know just how painful a kernel stuck between your teeth can be. In some cases, simply flossing your teeth can be the answer. However, if the kernel is severely lodged, you may need to seek professional help to remove it.
- A Painful Gum Abscess: When popcorn hulls become trapped in the gumline, it can lead to inflammation and irritation. In severe cases, this can cause an abscess to develop, which is a pimple-like bump on the gums that requires immediate treatment.
- A Cracked Tooth: In the same vein as a damaged restoration, popcorn kernels are hard enough to also crack a tooth!
Enjoy Your Popcorn With Care
Nobody is going to stop eating their favorite snack just because an issue could arise. However, it’s important to consume with care to avoid serious dental concerns like the ones listed above from occurring. After eating popcorn, be sure to gently floss your teeth to remove any lodged hulls. Never use a sharp instrument to try to do so, like a toothpick, as this could lead to gum damage and an increased risk of infection.
If you’re an avid popcorn-eater, it may be worthwhile to try to add some other smile-friendly snacks to your list, like fresh fruits and vegetables and softer foods. However, you don’t need to completely stop eating it—simply enjoy your popcorn with caution to reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, our three compassionate and experienced dentists are proud to offer a range of services, including preventive treatments like checkups and cleanings and cosmetic dentistry. That way, if you have an unfortunate run-in with a popcorn kernel, you have somewhere you can call for help. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Distinctive Dentistry’s website or call 770-445-6606.
