It’s July 4th, and you’re ready to celebrate with a delicious meal of grilled burgers, hot dogs, bbq, and of course, corn on the cob. But before you dig in, there’s something you need to know: corn on the cob can be annoying for your teeth, especially if you have braces.

That’s right, that sweet, summery treat can actually damage your enamel and lead to cavities, or make your experience with orthodontics unnecessarily painful.

So, how can you enjoy corn on the cob without sacrificing your dental health? 

Stop Corn on the Cob Getting Stuck in Your Teeth Your July 4th Cookout

The first solution is to alter your approach when eating traditional corn on the cob.

 

Of course, in order to avoid having corn stuck in your teeth all afternoon, you can also be prepared by packing a toothbrush.

Here are a few tips to deal with corn getting stuck in your teeth:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your teeth and gums, and it’s less likely to damage your enamel.
• Brush your teeth after eating corn on the cob: Brushing your teeth after eating corn on the cob helps to remove any leftover corn kernels or sugar that could cause cavities.
• Floss your teeth: Flossing your teeth helps to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings: Your dentist can help you to keep your teeth healthy by removing plaque and tartar buildup, and by identifying any potential problems early on.

By following these tips, you can enjoy corn on the cob without damaging your teeth. 

What can happen if you’re not careful when eating corn on the cob:

• You could chip a tooth.
• You could get a piece of corn kernel stuck in your tooth.
• You could get corn on your face.
• You could get corn on your shirt.
• You could get corn on your shoes.
• You could get corn on your dog.

Here are some tips on how to eat corn on the cob if you have braces:

• Cut the corn off the cob. This will make it easier to eat and will also help to prevent your braces from getting caught on the corn.
• Use a butter knife to scrape the kernels off the cob. This will help to prevent your braces from getting caught on the kernels.
• Be careful not to bite down too hard. Biting down too hard can damage your braces.
• Brush your teeth after eating. This will help to remove any corn kernels or sugar that could cause cavities.

Here are some additional tips:

• Wear a bib or apron to protect your clothes.
• Have a glass of water nearby to rinse your mouth out.
• Be patient. It may take a little longer to eat corn on the cob with braces, but it’s worth it to avoid damaging your braces.

Celebrity Mishap with Corn on the Cobb

Whatever you do, we don’t recommend attaching corn on the cobb to a power drill under any circumstance, as this one Hollywood celebrity learned the hard way.

 

So be careful out there! And happy July 4th!