Why Does Tongue Hurt After Eating Sour Candy (3 Remedies)

Author:

Published:

Updated:

Affiliate Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

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!

Latest posts

  • 10 Cursed Pop Tart Flavors To Avoid (At All Cost!)

    10 Cursed Pop Tart Flavors To Avoid (At All Cost!)

    Hey there, Pop-Tart lovers! Are you ready for a wild ride? We’ve scoured the internet and dug up some of the weirdest, most cursed Pop-Tart flavors out there. These flavors are not for the faint of heart, and some may even make you want to puke or gag. From savory to downright disgusting, these cursed

    Read more

  • Candies That Start With A

    Candies That Start With A

    Candy lovers, brace yourselves! From Almond Joy to Airheads, we’ve compiled a list of candies that begin with the letter A. These candies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring back childhood memories. From classic favorites to new treats, get ready to discover the delicious world of candies that start with the letter

    Read more

  • Top 9 Sweetest Candies in the World [Ranked]

    Top 9 Sweetest Candies in the World [Ranked]

    Those with a sweet tooth, gather around! Chances are you’ve tried some (or all) of these candies before. If not, maybe you’ll discover a new treat to try out. While percentages of sugar by weight may vary among each candy brand, the candies will also be ranked on how sweet they taste. In this article,

    Read more