{"id":627,"date":"2022-12-09T16:23:07","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T16:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waterburysmiles.com\/blog\/?p=627"},"modified":"2022-12-14T16:33:45","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T16:33:45","slug":"popcorn-and-oral-health-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waterburysmiles.com\/blog\/2022\/12\/popcorn-and-oral-health-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Popcorn and Oral Health: Can It Harm Your Smile?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Popcorn is a tasty treat that\u2019s a favorite of many. Whether you like kettle corn, popcorn balls, special seasonings, or just classic salt and butter, this snack is undoubtedly engrained in our culture. That\u2019s especially true when it comes to a night out at the movies or an evening at home watching a flick on your favorite streaming platform. If you\u2019re a big fan of popcorn, you may be disappointed to hear that it doesn\u2019t always affect your smile in the best ways. Continue reading to learn about the negatives of popcorn and oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Lactic Acid & Your Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One reason that popcorn and oral health don\u2019t mix is because of lactic acid. This substance is mainly produced in muscle and red blood cells but can also be found in popcorn. Lactic acid forms when carbohydrates break down to be used as energy for the body. Though lactic acid naturally occurs in some parts of your body, your mouth isn\u2019t used to it. Since acid strips your tooth enamel, eating popcorn can raise your risk of developing cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Ways Popcorn Harms Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lactic acid isn\u2019t the only thing about popcorn that can mean bad news for your oral health. You also need to worry about popcorn hulls, which are the thin coatings around the kernels. They can get stuck between your teeth, which gives the oral bacteria that cause cavities a food source. These bacteria will then release acids that damage your enamel and raise your risk of decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, unpopped kernels put you at risk of accidentally biting down on them. This may lead to chips or cracks in your pearly whites, which will need to be fixed before the tooth breaks or bacteria get into it and cause an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Foods You Should Eat Instead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there are other tasty snack options that will make for great movie night treats, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n