Did you know that researchers estimate that Americans eat around 15 billion quarts of popcorn every year? Needless to say, it’s a pretty popular snack, and it’s hard to imagine going to a movie theater, ballpark, or food court and there being a lack of popcorn. Despite its popularity, there’s probably been a time when you found yourself frustrated while eating it due to the hulls and kernels that can become stuck in your teeth. But did you know this can be more than a mere annoyance, and has the potential to cause serious damage that warrants emergency dental care? Continue reading to learn more about how eating popcorn can potentially harm your smile, along with a few good alternative snacks worth considering.
How Can Popcorn Harm My Teeth?
Believe it or not, there are actually several oral health risks associated with snacking on popcorn, including:
· Chipped or cracked teeth – Chewing on hard objects, such as popcorn kernels, can chip or crack your enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth. The pain might become even more apparent when drinking hot or cold beverages. Unlike broken bones, cracked teeth cannot heal on their own.
· Damaged dental restorations – It’s also possible for the kernels to cause damage to dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, fillings and other types. Even dental implant failure is a possibility.
· Gum abscesses – If popcorn hulls get trapped beneath the gums, the tissue can become inflamed and form abscesses. These are shiny, red lumps that contain pus, and they can be quite painful.
What Are Some Tooth-Friendly Alternatives?
Even though movie night may not be the same without a big bowl of buttery popcorn, you might want to consider snacking on some tooth-friendly alternatives instead. You might want to reach for a bag of chips or a box of crackers, but note that these options don’t just lack nutritional value; they also contain sugars and starches that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Obviously, cookies, cakes, candy bars and other types of sweet treats aren’t much better.
For optimal dental health, the American Dental Association recommends fruits and vegetables, since they’re packed with water, fiber, and other important nutrients. Low-fat dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, can also benefit your teeth due to their high levels of calcium. Of course, regardless of what you choose to snack on, be sure you’re brushing afterward so that no lingering particles can cause problems.
To put it simply, the small, hard pieces associated with popcorn are usually pretty problematic for our smiles. But if you’re mindful of these risks and choose preferable alternatives when you can, it’s easy to avoid a potential dental disaster caused by this timeless movie-time snack.
About the Practice
Here at University Dental Group, we’ve proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Worcester, MA for several years, and we look forward to working with you towards a lifetime of happy, healthy smiling! If you have any questions about the blog or would like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, please visit us online or give us a call today for further information or assistance! Telephone: (508) 753-1911.