{"id":190,"date":"2022-10-04T01:25:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-04T01:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shannonstokesdds.com\/blog\/?p=190"},"modified":"2022-11-16T23:59:20","modified_gmt":"2022-11-16T23:59:20","slug":"popcorn-and-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shannonstokesdds.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/04\/popcorn-and-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Popcorn and Oral Health: Can It Harm Your Smile?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When it comes to classic movie snacks, popcorn is often the first one to come to mind. Whether you eat it with dessert toppings or classic salt and butter, there\u2019s an endless number of ways to enjoy this treat. As tasty as popcorn is, it can unfortunately have some unsavory effects on your smile. Continue reading to learn about the link between popcorn and oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Popcorn Harms Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lactic acid is an organic substance that can be found in popcorn. It is mainly produced in red blood cells and muscle cells. It forms when carbohydrates are broken down by the body to use for energy. This occurs when oxygen levels are low, such as during intense exercise. Though lactic acid naturally occurs in your body, your mouth doesn’t usually contain or produce any since it strips your tooth enamel. Popcorn contains lactic acid, so it makes you more likely to develop cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popcorn hulls, which are the thin coatings around the kernels, can also damage your teeth by getting stuck between them. This gives bacteria a food source, which raises your risk of decay, tooth loss, and bone loss. Additionally, accidentally biting an unpopped kernel can cause your tooth to crack or break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Should Eat Instead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Popcorn may be good, but the damage it can do to your smile might not be worth the risk. There are some snacks that you can replace it with on movie night, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n