Popcorn is a universal snack that anyone can enjoy. From
sweet to salty and every flavor in between, popcorn is a staple whether you are
watching a good movie or just having a snack. But everything good comes with a
price! Popcorns price are those pesky kernels that get stuck in your teeth. Not
only is it annoying, food debris like popcorn kernels that are left in your
gums attract bacteria and could lead to a serious infection. So in honor of
National Popcorn Day, here are a few tips and tricks to removing an unwanted
kernel from your teeth:
Brush and floss!
First, try brushing your teeth. The bristles are designed to
remove debris from your teeth and gums. You can also use floss to get between
your teeth and gums. Gently work the floss between your tooth and gums. Use a
forward and backward motion or up and down motion keeping the floss against
your tooth to dislodge the popcorn kernel. Rinse with water when you are
finished to make sure the kernel does not stay in your mouth where it can get
lodged again.
No toothbrush or floss on hand? Here are a few more options:
·
Use your tongue: Gently stroke your tongue
against your tooth to work the kernel out of your gums.
·
Rinse with water: if you have salt on hand dissolve
a teaspoon of water in a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth.
Regular water may work just fine to jostle the kernel loose but the salt will
help ease inflammation of your gums.
·
Use a toothpick or fingernail: remember to be
very gentle when using this method. Aggressive use of a toothpick can cause
damage to your gums making them even more inflamed and ultimately make the
problem worse.
If all else fails or the popcorn is lodged in an area
unreachable to you, such as under dental work like a bridge or crown, call our
office to see your dentist! It is nothing we haven’t seen before and we have
special instruments to get into those hard to reach places. If you have any
questions, feel free to give us a call at (281)646-8888.
So don’t worry about kernels, have your popcorn and eat it
too in celebration of National Popcorn Day!
