When you eat too much sour candy, it can leave your tongue sore and make you feel uncomfortable.There is no miracle cure that will get your tongue back to normal, but there are several ways that you can ease the pain.If you want to use medicine, use the recommended dose of over-the-counter benzocaine oral gel.If you want to let your tongue heal naturally, there are a few ways you can give it some relief.
Step 1: There is a spot on your tongue that is hurting the most.
To probe your tongue, wash your hands and use a clean finger.You can apply the medicine if you know where the acid came from.If you kept the candy in the center of your tongue, you might have the most sore tongue.
Step 2: The sorest part of your tongue is dry.
You can use a cotton swab to get rid of saliva on your tongue.Just be sure to focus on the spot where you plan to apply the gel, if you want to dry off the entire surface.As you do this, be careful not to reach too far back in the mouth, as this could cause a gag reaction.Special applicators are included in some oralgel packages.
Step 3: You can use another Q-tip to apply the product to your tongue.
The bottle of benzocaine oral gel has a cotton swab in it.To apply a thin coat of gel over the sore area, use short, gentle motions.This product will soak into your tongue gradually if you apply too thick of a layer.You can get this product at the pharmacy.
Step 4: The medicine should be dissolved over a period of 6 hours.
Allow the medicine to soak in your tongue and give you relief.You can apply a thin layer of the gel again if your tongue is still sore after 6 hours.This medicine can be applied up to 4 times a day.If the medicine is swallowed, call a Poison Control Center for advice.
Step 5: Baking soda can be placed on the sore part of your tongue.
If you want to reduce the pain naturally, layer your tongue with less than 1 gram of baking soda.Wait 1-2 minutes for any painful sensations to go away if you focus on the area that has the most inflammation.You can spit out the baking soda after that.
Step 6: You can put ice on your tongue.
Take a small piece of ice and place it on the most painful part of your tongue.If you want the chip to stay on your tongue, don't chew the ice or swallow it.You can find some relief from tongue irritation when you use ice.Don't use a big ice cube.Try using a piece of ice that is close to the size of your injury.
Step 7: gargling a salt water mixture will relieve pain.
Add 12 tsp (3 g) of salt to the water.Swish the solution around your tongue and spit it out.You can use baking soda instead of salt to make the gargling solution.
Step 8: Taking over-the-counter pain medication will reduce your pain.
If you have a sore tongue, you can use an over-the-counter medication to treat it.Take the exact amount recommended by the bottle.If the pain persists throughout the day, you can take more doses later on.
Step 9: Try not to eat food that is spicy or salty.
Over the next few days, keep an eye on your diet.Salt and vinegar chips are very bad for your tongue.You don't want to eat spicy, salty, and sour food.If you have a sore tongue, don't eat extra acidic foods.
Step 10: Do not drink hot beverages that could hurt your tongue.
Try not to drink any hot coffee or tea throughout the day.Iced coffee and iced tea are great if you don't want to give up your favorite drink.If you want more variety in your drink menu, sip on a smoothie or milkshake.Cold drinks can be hard to drink.If you want to enjoy a glass of water or milk, try drinking it through a straw.
Step 11: Whenever you brush your teeth, use a soft toothbrush.
You can't brush your teeth while you have a sore tongue.You can make the process more comfortable by using a soft-bristled toothbrush.If you don't have a toothbrush that is geared towards kids, look in the store for ones that are.When going over the tongue area, use soft, gentle motions as you brush your teeth.The brush will make the pain worse if you scrub or irritate it.
Step 12: A toothpaste that is labeled SLS-free is a good choice.
While your tongue is sore, use a gentle toothpaste.If you want to take additional precautions to protect your tongue, you should switch to a new toothpaste.