Popcorn. It’s the quintessential movie-night snack. But when you’ve got braces on, you might find yourself asking, Can I eat popcorn with braces?
Can You Eat Popcorn With Braces?
The short answer is: it’s best to avoid popcorn while you have braces. While you can eat them, the little kernels have a real knack for getting stuck in the wires. You’ll deeply regret it very quickly if you try.
Even without braces, you’ll know the feeling of getting those sharp kernel shells stuck in your gums. The hulls are way worse with braces and it’s both a painful and annoying experience.
Trust us, we tried it once and never again.
Why Is Popcorn a Problem With Braces?
It can also be dangerous to eat popcorn while braces because if you bite into one of the uncooked hard kernels, you could break a bracket. It’s rare but a real possibility. Eating popcorn with braces at the cinema could be a lot of unnecessary drama.
Once you’ve made the mistake, it then becomes really hard to remove the hulls. We normally swear by using a good water flosser to remove food from braces. In this case, we had to go in with tweezers. Seriously.
What About Microwave Popcorn / Buttered / Caramel
The same goes. It’s just as bad as regular popcorn from being cooked on the stove or from the cinema. Salted popcorn, sweet popcorn, even buttered popcorn, and artisanal posh, expensive caramel popcorn. It’s all the same when it comes to braces.
But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips and alternatives to keep your snack game strong and your braces happy.
Popcorn Alternatives for Braces
Just because popcorn is off the table doesn’t mean your movie nights have to be snack-less! Here are a few braces-friendly alternatives that are bite-sized, sweet/salty to taste, and easy to throw at your mouth and hope they go in:
- Soft Pretzels: All the salty goodness of popcorn without the risk!
- Cheese Puffs: Light, fluffy, and braces-friendly.
- Baked Potato Chips: Softer than regular chips, still just as tasty.
- Goldfish Crackers or Ritz Crackers: Salty classics!
If you want to try going a little healthier, try these snacks for braces: –
- Carrot Sticks: Satisfyingly crunchy but easy to eat.
- Cucumber Fingers: Try these two with hummus!
- Grapes: Juicy, bite-sized food of the gods.
Can You Eat Hulless Popcorn With Braces?
Iowa is 80% corn as far as we can tell. A few years back, Iowa’s top corn scientists did something that has changed the world as we know it. They developed hulless popcorn. Also known as kernel less corn.
Well, sort of. There are some varieties of popcorn with thinner, less brittle shells that produce less of the gum-seeking missiles. Try looking for Amish Country popcorn.
Still, we don’t recommend it. Despite what Reddit might tell you, it will still suck to eat this popcorn while you have braces on. Avoid.
Tips for Eating Popcorn With Braces – What If I’m Careful?
If you absolutely can’t resist popcorn, here are a few tips to help you enjoy it without damaging your braces. We can’t promise not to be upset, but we’ll always support you: –
- Stay Away from Unpopped Kernels: One hard bite can lead to a broken bracket.
- Rinse with Water: After enjoying popcorn, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge any bits stuck in your braces.
- Use a Water Flosser: Water flossers can be a lifesaver when it comes to removing food from braces. We think everyone with braces should have one.
- Wait, Then Brush: Wait for 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. This allows your saliva to neutralize the acids in your mouth.
- Check Your Braces: Make sure there are no popcorn pieces lodged in your braces. Use a mirror if necessary!
Remember, your braces are doing important work. It’s up to you to take care of them, so they can help you achieve that gorgeous smile you’re after. Popcorn is one of the key foods to avoid with braces, read up on the others.
Can You Eat Popcorn With Invisalign?
Basically yes, it’s fine to eat popcorn with Invisalign trays. Just take them out when you ear, like every other food. You’ll need to be extra careful and make sure you’ve removed all of the hulls from your gums before you put them back in.
If not, the Invisalign trays will push them deeper into your gums and it will suck. Just remove them and brush again if this happens.
Happy snacking!
