Sour candies are good and tasty. However, due to their high content of acidic ingredients, eating them in excess can leave the tongue sore and sore. Although there is no miracle cure that will allow you to immediately return to normal, it is still possible to relieve the discomfort with several methods. If you prefer to use medication, buy an over-the-counter topical anesthetic gel containing benzocaine and apply the recommended dose. If, on the other hand, you prefer the tongue to heal naturally, you can try some remedies to find some relief.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Apply a Benzocaine-based Local Anesthetic Gel
Step 1. Find the spot on your tongue that hurts you the most
Wash your hands and gently run a finger over the surface of the tongue to examine it. Try to identify the areas that are most inflamed by the candy. In this way, you will be able to apply the medicine in a precise and targeted way.
For example, if you held the candy in the center of your tongue until it melted, this may be the most sore and sore area
Step 2. Use a cotton swab to dry the most irritated areas of the tongue
Take a cotton swab and use it to soak up the saliva that is on the areas that hurt you. If you want, you can dry the entire surface; just make sure you focus on where you intend to apply the gel. During the procedure, try not to push yourself too far with the cotton swab, otherwise you risk inadvertently stimulating the pharyngeal reflex.
Some local anesthetic packs contain cotton buds or special applicators
Step 3. Apply the product to the tongue with another cotton swab
Dip a clean cotton swab into the benzocaine gel bottle. Gently pat it on the painful area to apply a thin layer of anesthetic. Do not spread an excessively thick layer of it, as the gel is gradually absorbed by the tongue.
This product is available in most pharmacies
Did you know that?
This type of gel can be used for ages 2 and up. If your child has severe tongue discomfort, talk to his pediatrician before giving him this medicine.
Step 4. Let the medicine dissolve over the course of approximately 6 hours
Do not swallow it: instead, allow it to be absorbed by the tongue and gradually begin to give you relief. If after 6 hours your tongue continues to hurt, you can very well apply another thin layer of gel. In total, this medicine can be applied up to 4 times a day.
If you should ingest it, call the Poison Control Center or your doctor to find out how to intervene
Method 2 of 3: Relieve the Tongue
Step 1. Place a pinch of baking soda on the irritated area
Apply less than 1 teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda to your tongue for natural pain relief. Focus on the most inflamed area and wait for 2-3 minutes to relieve the discomfort. After that, you can spit the baking soda into the sink.
Step 2. Melt a piece of ice on your tongue
Take a piece of ice and place it on the area of your tongue that hurts the most. Don't chew it and don't try to swallow it. Instead, let it melt on your tongue. While it's not a long-lasting solution, it can give you some relief right away.
Do not use a large ice cube for this procedure. Instead, try using a small piece that is roughly the same size as the irritation
Step 3. Find some relief by gargling with salt water
Dissolve half a teaspoon (3 g) of salt in half a cup (120 ml) of warm water. Rinse your tongue with the solution for several seconds before spitting it out. If you prefer, you can make the rinse solution using half a teaspoon (3.5 g) of baking soda instead of salt.
Step 4. Reduce discomfort by taking an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Use an over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat tongue pain and inflammation. Read the instructions on the package insert for recommended doses and follow them to the letter. If the pain persists throughout the day, you can also take this medicine again, always observing the indicated administration methods.
Method 3 of 3: Avoid Further Irritation
Step 1. Try not to eat particularly salty, crunchy or spicy foods
Keep an eye on your nutrition for the next few days. It may be tempting to eat snacks like salted vinegar potato chips, but these foods will lead to severe tongue discomfort. In addition to salty, crunchy or sour snacks, you should also avoid particularly spicy products.
When the tongue is sore, avoid foods that have a particularly sour taste, such as pickles and citrus fruits
Step 2. Do not consume hot drinks which could be annoying for the tongue
Try changing your habits temporarily, avoiding drinking hot coffee or tea later in the day. If you don't want to give up your favorite drinks, replace them with cold variants, such as coffee or iced tea. In case you want to vary a little what you drink, try making a smoothie.
Rather cold or icy drinks could be a nuisance for the tongue. If you want to drink a glass of water or milk, try using a straw
Step 3. Use a soft toothbrush every time you brush your teeth
Of course, you can't help but brush your teeth, even if your tongue hurts. However, you can make the process much smoother and more gentle by using a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you don't have this type of toothbrush handy, buy one for kids. Make slow, gentle movements as you brush your teeth, especially when you get close to your tongue.
Do not rub or irritate the tongue with the toothbrush, as this will only exacerbate the discomfort
Step 4. Opt for sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) free toothpaste
Choose a gentler toothpaste when your tongue hurts. If you want to take additional measures to protect her, use this product until the discomfort is completely gone.
Did you know that?
Some people have found that SLES-free toothpastes help relieve oral ulcers and lesions.
