Can You Eat Popcorn with Braces?

As you adjust to wearing braces, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you eat. Certain foods may cause damage to your appliances. Here, our orthodontists discuss whether you can have popcorn with braces and share some other foods that you can and can't have during treatment.

Popcorn & Braces

Most people love to snack, and usually, this isn't an issue. However, when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may need to make some different snack choices. It’s best to steer clear of eating popcorn if you have braces.

Why You Should Avoid Eating Popcorn With Braces

One of the key reasons to skip popcorn when you have braces is because of the hard hulls and unpopped kernels that come with this snack.

When popcorn is made, the popped corn hulls are the little bits that remain from the seeds. They can harden and stick around in the popcorn kernels. Unfortunately, these hulls might find their way between your braces and teeth, making them quite tricky to get out.

Their nearly transparent nature makes them difficult to spot and remove. While stuck, these food particles can harm your tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

It's generally best to steer clear of all kinds of popcorn, especially if you have braces. Some types are more problematic than others. For instance, coated popcorn, like caramel popcorn, can be particularly tricky since the crunchy, sticky caramel tends to get stuck in your braces, just like those pesky hulls do!

Can You Eat Hull-Less Popcorn With Braces?

Hull-less popcorn is produced from smaller popcorn kernels. It contains fewer hulls, but no popcorn is truly 100 percent free from hulls.

Many believe that hull-less popcorn is a safe option that won’t get caught in braces. However, orthodontists do not universally support this claim. Additionally, there are currently no clinical studies to demonstrate whether hull-less popcorn is indeed safer for people wearing braces.

What’s a Good Replacement Snack for Popcorn?

Fortunately, there are many alternative snack choices available if you have braces.

Other Foods to Avoid if You Have Braces

When you have braces, popcorn isn't the only food you can't eat. There are some other foods that you should avoid when you have braces, including:

Brushing & Flossing with Braces

Even if you are eating foods that are safe for braces, it's important to always be sure to properly clean your teeth and mouth. This will help reduce the risk of cavities.

To keep your smile healthy, you should brush your teeth after each meal or snack using a fluoride toothpaste. This helps to gently remove any food that might be lingering in your braces. Sometimes, we may also recommend a fluoride mouthwash, which is great for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots your toothbrush might miss.

Brushing Your Teeth

With a regular, soft toothbrush, gently brush each brace-covered tooth by starting from the top and then brushing upward from the bottom. Afterward, use a 'christmas tree' brush. These brushes are specifically created for cleaning between braces. Position the brush downward from the top and then upward from the bottom in the spaces between the two braces. Make several strokes in both directions before proceeding to the next space. Continue this process until you've cleaned all your teeth.

Flossing Your Teeth

To floss with braces, thread the floss through the gap between the main arch wire and the tooth nearest to the gum. Use a gentle sawing motion to slide the floss up and down along both sides of the teeth it’s between, being cautious not to apply excessive pressure near the arch wire.

Can Eating Popcorn With Braces Cause an Orthodontic Emergency?

Yes. An orthodontic emergency can happen if a kernel becomes lodged in your braces or if you bite down too firmly on one. If you experience any orthodontic issues, please contact our orthodontists right away. We are here to help.

Reach Out to Our Orthodontist for Guidance

Being conscious of your food choices while wearing braces is essential. If a food seems likely to damage your braces or get lodged in your teeth, it’s probably best to steer clear of it. By planning ahead and thinking creatively, you can enjoy a wide range of delicious and nutritious meals and snacks even with braces.

If you have any questions about which foods to steer clear of, feel free to reach out to us at Village Orthodontics! We're happy to share helpful recommendations and make it easier for you to know how different foods can affect your braces.

Speak with our Village Orthodontics orthodontists today to schedule a consultation or for any more advice on how to best care for your braces.