Celebrate National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19, 2019, and be sure to care for your oral health while munching. Hard kernels can get lodged, causing trauma and even leading to oral surgery. To avoid surgery and still enjoy your popcorn, learn more about this treat and the best ways to care for your dental health.

When Did Popcorn Become a Treat?

Popcorn has been cultivated and used in several ways – including snacking – for thousands of years. Peruvian Indians discovered a type of corn that popped when heated up in 1650 and used it as a confection. The treat evolved and became a favored breakfast item in the nineteenth century, served alongside fruit and milk. Due to its cheap accessibility, many families used it for holidays and celebrations, creating popcorn ball treats to pass out or stringing popcorn to hang on Christmas trees.

Can Popcorn Cause Dental Damage?

While it may be tasty, popcorn has a couple of culprits that can cause problems to your oral health – the kernel and the thin shell that surrounds it. When popcorn isn’t fully popped, the kernel can remain large and very hard, which can cause cracks or fractures to teeth if chomped down on too fast. Additionally, the thin shell that surrounds the kernel can get wedged in between teeth and may become trapped beneath the gums, which can lead to a nasty infection that may require oral surgery to remove.

How Can You Safely Enjoy Popcorn?

When eating popcorn, make sure to remove any unpopped kernels from the bowl you are snacking from to help you avoid accidentally biting down on one. Try to remove any pieces that aren’t fully popped and may still contain a hard, large kernel. Avoid the urge to stuff handfuls of popcorn into your mouth; this makes it more likely something will become lodged between teeth or under gums. After you finish eating popcorn, rinse with a glass of water, brush, and floss to remove any lingering pieces. Inspect teeth and gums for any debris and visit your dentist if you notice damage or trauma.

If you experience dental health issues after celebrating National Popcorn Day, trust the professionals at Oral Surgery Center in Sauk County, WI. Their expert team of surgeons will help restore your dental health and keep your smile dazzling. Visit them online or call (608) 356-2112 to schedule an appointment today.