Popcorn is an excellent snack for any movie nights, as it is
tasty, full of fiber, and filling. However, popcorn kernels can damage your
braces, rendering them ineffective. Thankfully, many popcorn alternatives exist
that can help you avoid this common problem.
Popcorn Causes Issues With Braces
The hardened surface of popcorn is surprisingly sturdy and
requires strong pressure from your teeth to crack. Thankfully, eating popped
kernels rarely causes cracks in healthy teeth. Unfortunately, the strength of
the average popped kernel may provide enough resistance to create wear and tear
on the brackets or wires of your braces.
For example, a popcorn kernel may seem fully popped on the
surface but may have a slightly unpopped inner shell. Unfortunately, that tough
inner shell can scrape the surface and wires of your braces. One or two small
scrapes on your braces may not be a problem, but multiple ones may cause
damage.
Even worse, completely or mostly unpopped kernels are a
nightmare for your braces due to their hard surface. When you bite down on
unpopped kernels, the pressure you exert to crack them can cause severe impact
damage to your braces and even your teeth. And if they work their way up and
under your braces, they could get stuck there and refuse to come out, possibly
leading to cavities or a gum infection.
Damage caused by unpopped kernels includes:
- Cracked braces brackets
- Broken braces wires
- Knocked-loose braces brackets
Thankfully, people with new braces can avoid these problems
by switching to healthier popcorn alternatives. Plenty of foods go well with
movies but don't have the same adverse effect on a person's braces. Even
better, many of these replacement items support stronger oral health in a way
that popcorn does not.
Braces-Friendly Alternatives Are Available
For starters, fruit may serve as an excellent replacement
for popcorn during a movie. Grapes, blueberries, sliced apples, peeled kiwi,
and other soft fruits don't wear on your braces and provide vitamins and
minerals that improve your oral health. Prepare a delicious and diverse fruit
salad before your next film to see which fruits you like the best.
While not as healthy an option, popcorn puffs provide the
closest replacement for popcorn on the market. These snacks emulate the touch
and texture of popcorn but without the tough exterior and interior durability.
In fact, these kernels typically melt on the tongue to provide a sharp burst of
flavor. Many different tastes are available, including traditional butter and
even white-cheddar varieties.
If you want something a bit crunchier for your movie snacks,
try pita bread and hummus. Pita bread is thick and tasty without being damaging
to braces. And hummus is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals, such
as fiber, that help to improve your oral health in a variety of ways.
Experiment with hummus flavors to find one that works for your taste.
Make sure to avoid sticky foods, such as some kinds of
chocolate and almost all caramel candy. Sticky snacks like these may adhere to
your brackets and wires.
Professional Help Is Wise
The safe popcorn alternatives described above should keep
you satisfied during movies until you remove your braces. Make sure, however,
to check your braces regularly for any damage from other foods.
If you are concerned about your oral health and want to
ensure that you don't damage your braces, please don't hesitate to contact us
at Donald E. Snyder Orthodontics right away to set up an appointment. Our professionals
will identify any issues with your braces and can help you choose foods that
suit your specific tastes and needs.
