Oral Health After Acidic Candy Consumption: Solutions and Advice

Have you ever indulged in a bunch of sour candies, such as Warheads or Super Sour Fruit Gushers, and woke up with skin peeling inside your mouth or ugly mouth sores? This article provides insights and solutions to help alleviate these uncomfortable conditions, reducing the risk of repeat incidents.

Symptoms and Causes

Consuming large amounts of highly acidic candies can lead to oral injuries, including peeling skin inside the mouth and painful sores. These high-acid foods, like Warheads, can cause the lining of the mouth to burn and peel, especially if consumed in large quantities. Similarly, other highly acidic foods such as limes can also cause damage.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upon realizing that you've consumed too many acidic candies, it's crucial to take immediate action to avoid further irritation and promote healing.

Hydration and Oral Hygiene

Drink plenty of water to help flush out residual acid from your mouth. Brush your teeth and use a tongue scraper to remove any remaining candy residues and artificial colorings. If you don't have a tongue scraper, use your toothbrush with toothpaste to clean your tongue, and then repeat without toothpaste to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.

Preventive Measures and Healing Tips

To prevent future incidents, it's important to avoid consuming large quantities of acidic foods and to be mindful of oral hygiene practices. Here are some additional tips to help your mouth heal and maintain good oral health:

Avoid Acidic Foods Temporarily

Avoid eating highly acidic foods such as Warheads, sour candies, and acidic fruits like pineapples or limes for a while. These can exacerbate the peeling and sores inside your mouth. Your mouth’s lining generally heals quickly, but it's worth taking a break from acidic foods to allow proper healing.

Use Soothing Remedies

Several natural remedies can help soothe the affected areas and promote healing:

Honey: Place a small amount of honey in your mouth and swish it around before swallowing. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation. Coconut Oil (Oil Pulling): Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for about 5 minutes, then spit it out. This practice, known as oil pulling, can help draw out bacteria and reduce inflammation, providing some relief.

Additionally, you can rinse your mouth with salt water three times a day if you suspect an infection.

Seek Professional Help

If you are in severe pain or the mouth sores do not seem to be healing, it is recommended to seek professional help. Go see a dentist or visit an urgent care center.

Conclusion

While occasional indulgence in acidic candies may not cause significant damage, consuming large quantities regularly can lead to uncomfortable oral injuries. Following the steps outlined above, avoiding acidic foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene practices can help prevent such issues. Always prioritize oral health to ensure a comfortable and healthy mouth.