If you’ve ever chomped down on an unpopped kernel by accident, you know how painful it can be! Unfortunately, those hard kernels can fracture teeth, which can be a real pain (via Cleveland Clinic). And if you have braces, crowns, or dental implants, popcorn’s texture and the risk of kernels can be particularly challenging. It’s no fun to deal with costly repairs or discomfort caused by damaged or dislodged dental appliances or restorations.
Those pesky little pieces of popcorn can also get stuck between your teeth. They can be difficult to floss out; and, if you don’t get rid of them, they can lead to gum inflammation, plaque buildup, and other dental issues. Due to their sticky nature, caramel corn and popcorn balls can also pose a dental challenge. When bitten into, the stickiness can loosen dental work — such as crowns or braces — or pull out dental fillings (via Healthline).