If you’re a snack lover, mark your calendar for January 19, which is National Popcorn Day. These tasty morsels are a healthy snack with a fascinating background. There’s a dentistry angle too, whether you eat these delicious treats by the handful or pop them into your mouth one at a time.

Popcorn History & Dentistry Tips

Fun Popcorn Facts

Popcorn is a fantastic snack choice because it’s naturally low-calorie, low-fat, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The first portable popcorn machine was introduced in Chicago in 1893, and experiments with popcorn in the 1940s helped spur the development of the microwave oven for consumer use. That’s why many microwave ovens have a button dedicated to the humble kernels today. 

Cautions From Dentists When Eating Popcorn

Popcorn fans are aware of hulls getting stuck at the gum line and between teeth. If left there too long, those hulls can cause gums to become infected or abscessed.  Dentists know popcorn can contribute to eating away tooth enamel because the snack generates lactic acid in the mouth. Another dentistry caution is watching for those unpopped kernels lurking at the bottom of your bowl or bag. Biting one could crack or break your tooth and send you on an emergency trip to the dentist.

General Dentistry & Popcorn 

Dental floss and toothpicks help you remove those pesky popcorn hulls from between your teeth. You can minimize the effect of lactic acid on your teeth after your snack by rinsing your mouth with water or chewing sugar-free gum. To avoid cracking or breaking a tooth, check each handful of popcorn before you eat it. Better yet, pop a fresh batch before you reach the bottom of your bag or bowl. 

Popcorn is a healthy, fun snack to enjoy on National Popcorn Day and throughout the year with proper dental care. In Lorain, OH, residents turn to C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry as their family dentist. A lifelong member of the community and in practice since 1995, this compassionate dentist and his team are dedicated to caring for you, whether you need emergency care, cosmetic dentistry, regular checkups, or root canals. Call (440) 960-5200 to make an appointment or visit the website to learn more about their services and staff.