Popcorn is a widely popular snack. It can be found in households across the country. But, arguably one of the most annoying things about popcorn is that it easily gets stuck in your teeth.
Anyone who has eaten popcorn has experienced popcorn kernels stuck between their teeth or, even worse, in their gum line. This is just the struggle that comes along with this tasty snack. However, this small annoyance can easily be fixed with some quick tricks and methods. Throughout this article, we will talk about how to remove popcorn kernels from your teeth without damaging your teeth or gum tissue. That way, you can continue to snack without worry.
3 Best Ways to Remove Popcorn Hulls From Your Gums
When you feel popcorn stuck between your teeth or underneath your gums, it is typically the popcorn hull or popcorn husk that is stuck. These parts of the popcorn kernel are thin and tend to splinter off when they break. Luckily, these small pieces are pretty easy to remove.
It is important to keep in mind that you never want to use your fingernail or any other foreign object to remove food debris from your teeth. You can cause unnecessary damage to your teeth when using weird “tools” to get food debris out of your teeth. Instead, use mouth-friendly things that are safe and dentist-approved.
Use Dental Floss
The best way to remove popcorn kernels from your teeth or gums is to use dental floss. Dental floss is completely safe for your teeth and will actually help clean as you also get rid of pesky popcorn. You likely already have dental floss at home so you are fully equipt to try this method.
Use gentle motions, going back and forth with the dental floss near the area where the popcorn is stuck. Floss will help get food debris out of your molars or gum line pretty easily. You may even want to start carrying a travel sized floss dispenser around with you. Floss and a toothpick will come in handy at the movies, carnival or anywhere you intend to eat a tasty popcorn snack.
Brush Your Teeth
A very simple but effective way to remove popcorn from your teeth is to just brush them. This is almost guaranteed to get popcorn out of your gum line. Brushing your teeth may not always be an option when you are on the go, but, when you are able, definitely give this technique a try.
Use gentle circular motions when you brush and try to hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle. This angle will help get the popcorn up, out of your gum line and also just help with overall oral hygiene and dental health. While you should be brushing at least twice a day according to most dentists, brushing extra to remove popcorn kernels won’t hurt.
Rinse Your Mouth With Warm Salt Water
Warm salt water is a great way to flush out food debris and popcorn kernels from between your teeth and in your gum tissue. In addition to helping remove annoying popcorn kernels from your teeth, salt water is actually good for maintaining oral health. It helps clean your teeth and can even make toothaches go away.
To make a salt water rinse, add ½ teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir for about thirty seconds. Once the salt has dissolved, it is ready to rinse. You can even pour the mix into a Waterpik and use it on a low setting to flush out any popcorn debris from your teeth.
Is Eating Popcorn Bad For My Teeth?
Popcorn itself isn’t necessarily bad for your teeth. It isn’t overly sugary or harmful to your teeth directly. However, it can be bad for your teeth and gums if you do not take good care of your teeth and remove stuck popcorn quickly.
Proper dental care can help you avoid any damage that eating popcorn may cause. When possible, brushing and flossing after you eat popcorn will do wonders for your overall oral health. The sooner you can get those popcorn kernels out of your teeth, the better.
You may also want to try drinking lots of water as you eat your popcorn snack. Popcorn is often high in salt and may cause you to be dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to tooth decay. But drinking water will prevent that. Chewing gum after you eat popcorn will also help make your mouth create saliva that will flush out popcorn pieces from your teeth and gum tissue. Brushing, flossing, water, and gum will all help keep your teeth healthy even if you are a big popcorn snacker.
When You Should See a Dentist
Eating a big bowl of popcorn should not send you running to the dentist. When popcorn gets stuck in your teeth, try these tricks first and you are likely to have success. However, if a piece of popcorn is stuck in your teeth for too long, you may want to seek help from a healthcare professional.
Sometimes, a piece of popcorn can get stuck in your gums and cause a gum abscess. If you see your gums swelling or redness where the popcorn is stuck, then you should definitely make an appointment with a dental hygienist. They will be able to help in extreme cases. Of course, regular checkups are always recommended so your teeth stay healthy and you can continue snacking on popcorn anytime you’d like.
Learn More About Popcorn Recipes, Fun Facts and More with Popsmith
Popcorn in your teeth can be quite annoying. However, there are a few super easy ways to get that popcorn kernel out of your teeth so you can go back to enjoying your snack. Try flossing, brushing or washing your mouth out with salt water. We bet one of these methods will do the trick.
We at Popsmith love popcorn and everything about this popular snack. Be sure to check back and read more about popcorn, get some tasty recipes and some good snack inspirations. We hope to see you soon.
