Chew That Popcorn Carefully
December 3, 2018
Popcorn is a popular treat throughout the entire year. It becomes a little more popular in the holiday season. Popcorn tins are a common gift given to friends, family, and co-workers. Some families pop popcorn to use as a decoration for the Christmas tree (while snacking on it along the way). Some people also have a tradition of making popcorn balls as a holiday tradition for Hanukkah. With all that popcorn used for all of these festive reasons, it can be easy to forget that it can be a problem for the smile. It is important to remember to chew popcorn carefully to avoid having a bad surprise like infected gums or a damaged tooth. The team at Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO is here to help you protect your smile.
Stuck Beneath Your Gums
Have you ever gotten a empty hull or shell of popcorn stuck on the roof of your mouth? These very thin pieces of food can get stuck there or between the teeth or along the gums. If a shell gets stuck along the gums, it can be difficult to remove. Usually a gentle swish of water can help get it out along brushing and flossing. However, if it remains there, avoid the temptation to pick at it with objects not meant for your mouth. You could end up causing more damage. If it is really lodged in there, make an appointment with your dentist as leaving it in there could lead to an infection.
Cracking a Tooth
Unpopped popcorn kernel are very hard and not meant for chewing. If you are mindlessly snacking on popcorn, you could end up biting down on a hard kernel at just the wrong time to cause some damage to your smile. An unpopped kernel could crack a tooth or damage it in some way. If this happens, it is important to have your dentist take a look as soon as possible. Restoring a tooth is important for your smile’s health. While you are snacking on popcorn, be sure to chew carefully to avoid those kernels.
Did You Get a Tin of Holiday Popcorn?
Popcorn can provide sneaky dangers for your smile. To schedule a consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.