Despite our best efforts, it’s nearly impossible to have every kernel of popcorn pop when making a bag of movie theater popcorn. Consequently, one of those stray kernels might find its way into our mouth. So, does eating an unpopped popcorn kernel pose any health risks?
According to experts at the Dr. Joseph M. Perry dental office, consuming an unpopped kernel could potentially harm your teeth. Most people tend to bite down on popcorn using their molars, which are particularly prone to cracks. Accidentally biting a popcorn kernel could crack a tooth, necessitating treatment to prevent pain, decay, or tooth loss.
Even partial consumption of an unpopped kernel, like chewing on a small piece, can negatively impact oral health. Consider those tiny kernel flakes inside a piece of popcorn; although lightweight, they are sharp. These small flakes can injure gums or, worse, lead to a gum abscess if lodged into the gums and severely infected.
The risk of burns or choking
Eating an unpopped popcorn kernel also carries the risk of burning your mouth. The steam and pressure inside a popcorn kernel cause it to pop. Even kernels that don’t pop retain heat once you remove your popcorn from the microwave. If not allowed to cool sufficiently, popping a hot kernel into your mouth could result in a painful burn.
What if an unpopped popcorn kernel travels beyond the mouth and down the esophagus? Pediatrician Dr. Lyndsey Garbi explained to Romper that this poses unique risks for children. “Popcorn is one of the highest-risk choking hazard foods for little children. Toddlers lack the ability to chew it well and handle the kernels, which can become lodged in their airways.” Hence, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against giving popcorn to children under four.
Other potential hazards of eating a popcorn kernel
Besides choking, Cleveland Clinic experts warn that consuming unpopped popcorn kernels may put children at risk for a bezoar. Though rare, a bezoar forms when undigested material causes a blockage in the digestive tract. Such materials can include seeds, peels, and hair, according to Merck Manuals—and popcorn kernels, too. Most people with bezoars are asymptomatic. Smaller masses may pass naturally, but surgery might be needed for some cases. Severe instances of untreated bezoars can lead to bleeding, nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramps, or punctures in the digestive tract.
For healthy adults, eating an unpopped popcorn kernel is challenging to digest. Therefore, people are advised to avoid popcorn the week before a colonoscopy. UnityPoint Health explains that hulls from popcorn kernels can linger in the colon for several days, potentially being misinterpreted as a growth. Additionally, these small flakes might block the suction tool used by the physician, interfering with the procedure.
