How to Soothe Your Tongue After Eating Sour Candy

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 1/9/2025

Content

Apply benzocaine gel (oral use)

Soothe Your Tongue

Avoid Further Irritation

Apply Benzocaine Gel

Soothe Your Tongue

Avoid Further Irritation

Sour candy is a favorite snack for many, but due to the high acid content in its ingredients, it can leave a burning and uncomfortable sensation if consumed excessively. While there is no miraculous cure to instantly restore your tongue to normal, there are several methods to alleviate the discomfort. If you prefer medication, you can try using over-the-counter benzocaine gel as recommended. For a natural healing approach, there are a few ways to soothe your tongue.

Steps

Apply benzocaine gel (oral use)

Identify the most affected area on your tongue. Wash your hands and use a clean finger to gently probe your tongue. Feel around to determine where the acid from the candy has caused the most irritation so you can apply the medication precisely.

For example, if you held the candy in the center of your tongue until it dissolved, that might be the most affected area.

Use a cotton swab to dry the most irritated area on your tongue. Gently dab the swab to remove saliva from the affected spot. If needed, you can dry the entire surface of your tongue, but focus on the area where you plan to apply the medication. Be careful not to insert the swab too far into your mouth, as it might trigger an unwanted gag reflex.

Some gel packages come with a swab or applicator included.

Use a fresh cotton swab to apply the medication. Dip a new cotton swab into the benzocaine gel (oral use). Gently dab a thin layer of the gel onto the irritated area. Avoid applying too thick a layer, as the product will gradually absorb into your tongue.

This product is widely available at most pharmacies.

Did you know? This gel is suitable for anyone over the age of 2. If a baby or toddler experiences tongue irritation, consult a doctor before using the medication.

Allow the medication to dissolve over 6 hours. Avoid swallowing the gel—let it absorb into your tongue to alleviate discomfort. If the irritation persists after 6 hours, you can apply another thin layer. Generally, this medication can be applied up to 4 times a day.

If you accidentally swallow the gel directly, contact a poison control center or healthcare professional for advice.

Soothe Your Tongue

Apply a pinch of baking soda to the irritated area of your tongue. Gradually ease discomfort naturally by sprinkling less than a teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda onto your tongue. Focus on the most inflamed area and wait 2-3 minutes for the burning sensation to subside, then spit out the baking soda.

Place an ice cube on your tongue. Put an ice cube on the most painful spot of your tongue. Avoid chewing or swallowing the ice—instead, let it melt on your tongue. While this isn’t a long-term solution, you may experience immediate relief while the ice is in place.

Avoid using large ice cubes. Stick to small pieces roughly the size of the affected area.

Relieve pain by rinsing with saltwater. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in ½ cup (120 ml) of warm water. Swish the saltwater around your tongue for a few seconds before spitting it out. If preferred, you can substitute ½ teaspoon of baking soda for the salt in the rinse.

Ease discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Use non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation on your irritated tongue. Read the label for recommended dosages and take the exact amount. If pain persists after a day, you can take additional doses as needed.

Avoid Further Irritation

Avoid consuming salty, crunchy, or spicy foods. Be mindful of your diet for the next few days. While salted and vinegar chips might seem tempting, they can worsen the pain in your tongue. Steer clear of spicy foods as well as salty, crunchy, and acidic snacks.

While your tongue is irritated, avoid acidic foods like pickles and citrus fruits.

Avoid hot beverages. Try adjusting your routine to skip hot coffee or tea throughout the day. If you don’t want to give up your favorite drinks, switch to cold versions, such as iced tea or iced coffee. For other options, consider smoothies or milkshakes.

Cold drinks can numb the sore area on your tongue. If you prefer water or milk, try drinking through a straw.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, you can’t skip brushing your teeth even if your tongue is sore. However, you can make the process more comfortable by using a soft-bristled brush! If you don’t have one, a child’s toothbrush will work. Brush gently, especially when cleaning near your tongue.

Avoid scrubbing your tongue, as this will only increase the discomfort.

Choose a toothpaste labeled as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)-free. Opt for a gentler toothpaste while your tongue is sore. To protect your tongue, switch to a new toothpaste until the pain subsides completely.

Did you know? Many people find that SLS-free toothpaste helps reduce irritation and mouth sores.