Popcorn is a delicious snack that is perfect for movie nights, parties, and get-togethers. However, popping popcorn can be quite messy and painful if the unpopped kernels end up in your mouth or your gums. We’ll show you how to get popcorn kernels out of your gums so you can enjoy this tasty treat without worrying about getting any kernel remnants stuck in between your teeth or in your gums.
How To Get Popcorn Kernels Out Of Your Gums?
Use Your Fingers
This may sound like an odd suggestion, but it’s actually one of the best ways to remove popcorn kernels from your gums. To do this, simply massage your gums in a gentle, circular motion (as you would if you were flossing) until you can feel the kernel. Once you’ve located the popcorn, use your fingers to gently pull it out. This method is quite effective, but it can be a bit frustrating because you have to feel around blindly. On the other hand, it is extremely easy to perform, and it poses very little risk of causing any damage to your gums if done properly. So, if you’re able to find the kernel, this method is perfect for you.
Straw
This method works best if the popcorn kernel is wedged at the bottom of your gum line. First, you’ll need to find a straw that is thin enough to fit between your teeth. Make sure you choose one with a smooth, rounded end so it doesn’t cause any damage while you’re trying to remove the kernel. Once the straw is in place, carefully push it into your gums until the popcorn kernel is at the end of the straw. Then, simply pull the straw out. This method has a higher chance of causing damage to your gums than the floss method does, so you should use it as a last resort.
Gum Grabber Tool
If you don’t have access to floss (for example, if you are traveling and forgot to pack your floss), then you can use a gum grabber tool to dislodge the popcorn kernel. This tool looks like a miniature, toothless mouth guard. Simply place it between your teeth and bite down gently. This will dislodge the kernel and allow you to easily remove it with your fingers. Gum grabber tools have a reputation for being less effective than floss, so they’re generally used as a last resort. They also tend to be more expensive than regular floss. However, they don’t pose any risk of damaging your gums, so they’re a good option if you need to remove a popcorn kernel quickly.
Oral Irrigation Flosser
An oral irrigation flosser is basically a water pick that’s been modified to remove popcorn kernels. Like the gum grabber tool, this method is generally used as a last resort. However, if you don’t have access to any other tools, it’s certainly better than nothing. To use an oral irrigation flosser, fill it with water and then place it between your teeth. Next, squeeze the flosser until the water flows out and bubbles up around your popcorn kernel. Once you’ve dislodged the kernel, you can pull it out with your fingers. This method is a bit messy, but it’s not too difficult to clean up.
Tweezers
This is another method that’s used as a last resort. And the kernels have to be wedged in at a very specific angle for this method to work. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you have no other options, it’s certainly better than nothing. To remove a popcorn kernel with tweezers, you’ll have to find the kernel first. Once you have it in view, you have to carefully squeeze the kernel between the two prongs on one side of the tweezers. This will pry the kernel out of the gum line and allow you to remove it with your fingers. This method isn’t terribly effective, but it’s better than leaving the kernel there forever!
Utensil (such as a fork or spoon)
If you can’t find the popcorn kernel with your fingers, you can try to dislodge it with a fork or spoon. To do this, gently rub the edge of the utensil against your gums until you can feel the kernel. Then, use the edge of the utensil to pry the kernel out. This method is much like the floss and straw methods, in that it’s very easy to perform and poses very little risk of damaging your gums. However, it is also very difficult to position correctly, which makes it a bit more challenging than the other methods.
How To Get Popcorn Kernels Out With Dental Floss?
Dental Floss and Bowl of Water
If the bowl is wide enough and the floss is long enough, you can wrap the floss around the end of the kernel and then use the weight of the bowl to pull the kernel out. Just be careful not to rip the husk and make your popcorn soggy. Aside from this, a bowl of water also comes in handy for this task. Place the floss in the water, let it sit for a bit, and then wrap it around the kernels and pull! This method won’t take any time at all and will leave your hands dry and germ-free.
Bic Pen and String
If you have a Bic pen and a rubber band around your wrist, you have all you need to get those kernels out. Wrap the rubber band around the pen, secure it, and then use the paper on the pen to grab the popcorn kernel. Once you have it, use the string to pull it off. The Bic pen can be especially handy if you’re having trouble with a stubborn kernel. Just be careful not to crush it while pulling it off with the string. While this method works, it can be a bit risky when it comes to keeping hands clean. If you have a paper cut, it’s important to keep it from getting infected.
Straw and Microwave
First, put the popcorn kernels in a bowl, cover with a towel, and set the timer for five seconds. After the timer goes off, use a straw to pull the kernel out of its shell. This method is best if you have a thin and strong straw, like the type found in stir straws. Though this method will get the kernels out, it will leave behind a bit of the husk. You’ll also want to be careful not to leave the kernels in the microwave too long. If they start to burn, they will become more difficult to remove. To avoid this, count to 30 out loud while they’re in the microwave. Once you’ve reached 30, open the microwave and check the popcorn.
Tips For Avoiding Popcorn In Your Mouth And Gums
- Popcorn kernels are coated with sugar, which makes them sticky. This is an important characteristic of popcorn kernels, as it is this stickiness that allows the kernels to be popped and cooked.
- While this stickiness is great for cooking popcorn, it can be harmful if kernels get stuck in your teeth or gums, causing discomfort and pain.
- If you are eating popcorn and don’t want kernels in your mouth or gums, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening.
- First, you can make sure to keep your mouth closed when chewing. This might seem silly, but many people who eat popcorn do so while watching television or a movie and end up chewing with their mouth open.
- Next, you can use dental floss to clean regularly and remove build-up between your teeth. This is important for keeping popcorn kernels out of your teeth, as kernels get stuck in areas between teeth where floss is unable to reach.
Conclusion
When you are Travelling with your child, you might find that they have a lot of time to eat. While it is important to keep them busy, it is also important that they stay healthy and eat nutritious food. Popcorn is a healthy, wholesome snack that they can munch on while travelling. However, you might have a hard time getting the kernels out of your child’s gums. There are several ways in which you can get the kernels out of your child’s gums quickly and easily.
