Hey there, candy lovers! We all love Sour Patch Kids and Warheads for their tangy sourness, but sometimes they can leave our tongues feeling a little worse for wear. You know the feeling – a painful, tingling burning sensation that just won’t go away after eating too much sour candy.
But why does this happen and what can we do about it?
In this article, we’ll be diving into the reasons why our tongues might hurt after eating sour candy and providing you with three easy remedies to alleviate the pain. So grab a glass of water, and let’s get started!
Causes of Tongue Pain After Eating Sour Candy
Sour candy can contain a high amount of acids, such as citric acid or malic acid, which can physically irritate the outer tissue of our tongues. On the pH scale, most sour candies are just under 5 which
In small amounts, it’s practically harmless. However, high consumption of these acids can erode away the outer layers of the tongue. Acid also wears away at the enamel of the teeth, so be sure to drink plenty of water when eating any candy.
Note: Do not brush teeth immediately after eating sour candy; the enamel is extra sensitive at this time. Wait at least an hour for mouth pH to adjust back to normal.
In some cases, our taste buds can become less sensitive over time, leading to increased consumption of sour and acidic foods. So, it’s important to understand the root cause of our discomfort in order to find the most effective remedy.
3 Remedies For a Sour-Induced Burnt Tongue
Remedy 1: Ice Cube
A simple, quick remedy for alleviating tongue pain after eating too much sour candy is to place an ice cube on the tongue. The cold from an ice cube can help numb the pain and irritation on the exposed tongue and reduce any swelling. This is especially helpful for those who experience immediate pain after eating sour candy.
To use this remedy, simply take an ice cube and hold it on the affected area of the tongue for a few minutes. The cold temperature will help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from discomfort.
Remedy 2: Dairy Products
Another way to alleviate tongue pain after eating sour candy is to neutralize the acids in our mouths. This can be done by using something that has a higher pH such as dairy products.
Dairy products help to neutralize the acids from sour candy. This is also why eating dairy helps with eating too much spicy. So grab some milk, cheese, or yogurt.
Dairy also contains the protein casein that helps protect the enamel.
Remedy 3: Benzocaine Oral Gel
Benzocaine medication such as this is a numbing agent designed to be used orally. Do not swallow the gel ointment.
Using a cotton swab, dry out the irritated area on the tongue. Then apply a small amount of oral gel to the sore part of the tongue. The relief is nearly instant (within 5 minutes) and long-lasting.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, sour candy can be a delicious treat once in a while. But in excess, can lead to a painful, burning sensation on the tongue.
The cause of this discomfort is the high amount of acids in the candy, which can erode the taste buds on our tongues. To alleviate the pain, there are three easy remedies you can try – ice cubes, dairy products, and benzocaine oral gel.
So next time you have a sweet tooth for some sour candy, remember to drink plenty of water, and if you experience any discomfort, reach for one of these remedies for quick relief. And most importantly, enjoy your candy and all its tangy goodness!
