• Call Us 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Visit Us
  • 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Botox in Springfield, Missouri
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening
Menu
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Botox in Springfield, Missouri
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening

Wonderful Alternatives for Popcorn When You Wear Braces

  • August 24, 2021
  • 12:35 pm
  • Braces, FAQ
  • Braces, Parkcrest Dental, popcorn alternatives

If you’re a big fan of popcorn, you might be shocked and saddened to find out that one of your favorite snacks is not a good idea while you wear braces.

At Parkcrest Dental, we understand that there’s a lot to get used to after you first get braces, but you can still enjoy yummy snacks! Instead of popcorn, here are some great alternatives.

Related post: The Best Time to Get Braces

Why can't I eat popcorn with braces?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand why popcorn is so bad for braces. Although it’s tasty and good for you due to its fiber content, eating popcorn can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your brackets or wires. 

For example, biting down on an unpopped kernel can crack brackets, break wires, or knock some of the brackets loose. Additionally, pieces of kernels could get tightly lodged in your braces, causing bacteria to breed and resulting in discomfort for you.

The best way to prevent these potential issues is to avoid popcorn entirely while you’re wearing braces. Although it may seem like a long time to go without popcorn, there are plenty of tasty alternatives, many of which are just as delicious but provide better nutritional value than popcorn! Some of our favorites are listed below.

Are there any alternatives to popcorn when I have braces?

Yes, we suggest seven alternatives.

Popcorn puffs or puffcorn. Although not the most nutritious snack, these should satisfy any popcorn cravings without causing any damage to your brackets or wires.

Fruit. Just about any type of soft fruit is a great snack alternative that won’t wear on your braces. Kiwis, strawberries, blueberries, sliced apples, mangoes, and peaches are all great options. But don’t let us limit your creativity!

Rice cakes. If you’re in the mood for something with a delicious crunch, rice cakes are a great snack that won’t cause any damage to your brackets or wires. They also come in a variety of different flavors, such as apple cinnamon, white cheddar, or chocolate crunch.

Frozen yogurt or smoothies. Craving something sweet? Frozen yogurt or smoothies are the perfect summer snacks. They’re also a healthier alternative to ice cream (although there’s always a time and place for that too).

Cooked vegetables. Cooked veggies may not be the most exciting snack, but you can jazz them up with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, or a little bit of butter. If you like cheese, you can also sprinkle some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top for a punch of extra flavor.

Pita bread and hummus. This snack is perfect if you’re craving something carby that won’t ruin your braces or your diet.

Pudding. Pudding is another sweet snack option that you can save for special occasions. Since it also comes in a variety of flavors, you’re unlikely to get bored with it, and buying perfectly pre-portioned cups from the grocery store can help keep you from overindulging.

Related Post: Can You Eat Popcorn With Braces?

Who can help me with my orthodontics and braces in Springfield, Missouri?

Have more questions about your braces? Need tips on how to care for them? Call (417) 887-1220 or contact our orthodontic team online. Dr. Harrison and the rest of the orthodontic team at Parkcrest Dental are here to make sure you and your teeth are happy and healthy.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

More to explore

Are Fillings Necessary for Baby Teeth?

March 2, 2023

In some instances, yes, our pediatric dentist may recommend fillings for your child, even for teeth that will fall out eventually, to

Gummy vitamins for kids spilling out on a table

Gummy Vitamins & Your Child’s Oral Health

February 2, 2023

Gummy vitamins are soaring in popularity. They’re a $6 billion industry, expected to grow to nearly $9.5 billion by 2028. Parents love

Baby Chewing on a Teething Toy

Teething FAQs

January 5, 2023

Your baby has been crying more lately, and is a bit fussy. As a parent, you notice these things. What could be

Archives
Search
Categories
  • Braces (62)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (32)
  • Dental (19)
  • Dental Care (146)
  • Dental Education (178)
  • Dental Implants (13)
  • Dental Products (65)
  • FAQ (162)
  • Floss (12)
  • Pediatric (73)
  • Teeth Whitening (29)
Previous
Next

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • 540 W Lasalle St, Springfield, MO 65807
  • (417) 887-1220
  • Follow Us:
  • Dental FAQs
  • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • Pediatric Dental FAQs
  • Privacy Practices

Web Design: BigPxl