Sour candy, a popular treat known for its intense tang, can lead to uncomfortable mouth sores. This discomfort arises from the candy’s ingredients interacting with delicate oral tissues.
How Sour Candy Affects Your Mouth
Sour candies contain high levels of acids that significantly lower the mouth’s pH balance. Common acids include citric, malic, tartaric, and fumaric acid, often coated on or blended within the candy. These acids can have pH levels as low as 1.6 to 3.0, which is considerably acidic, especially compared to the pH 4.0 where tooth enamel erodes. Prolonged exposure to these low pH levels can cause chemical erosion of soft tissues, leading to irritation or burns. This acidic environment can also soften tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to damage.
Beyond chemical reactions, the physical properties of some sour candies also cause oral injuries. Hard or rough candies can create friction, cutting or scraping gums, the tongue, or inner cheeks. This mechanical irritation creates small wounds that become painful sores. The combination of acidity and physical trauma makes oral tissues vulnerable.
Recognizing Mouth Sores
Sour candy irritation can lead to several types of sores. Chemical burns often appear as red, raw, or white patches on areas of direct contact like the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks. These areas feel tender and painful, sometimes with skin peeling. Discomfort usually begins quickly after consumption.
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are another type of sore sometimes associated with sour candy, though not directly caused by it. While their exact cause is not fully understood, irritation from acidic foods like sour candy can trigger them in susceptible individuals. They appear as small, round or oval ulcers with a white or yellowish center and a distinct red border, commonly forming on the lips, cheeks, or tongue.
Even without distinct sores, sour candy can cause general inflammation and heightened sensitivity throughout the mouth. This might manifest as redness or a feeling of soreness and tenderness in the oral tissues. This generalized sensitivity occurs as the acidic environment irritates delicate mucous membranes, making the mouth feel raw and uncomfortable, and difficult to eat or drink.
Preventing and Treating Sores
Limiting sour candy consumption helps prevent mouth sores. Rinsing thoroughly with water after eating washes away residual acids and sugars, neutralizing the environment. Drinking milk or eating cheese can also help neutralize acids. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, supports overall mouth health.
For existing mouth sores, several home care strategies can provide relief and aid healing. Rinsing with a saltwater solution (teaspoon of salt in warm water) can soothe and clean the area. Over-the-counter topical oral gels like benzocaine can offer temporary pain relief. Avoid further irritants such as spicy foods, highly acidic beverages, or very hot items during healing. Choosing soft foods and staying well-hydrated also promotes comfort.
Most minor mouth sores heal within one to two weeks. Consult a dentist or doctor if a sore is unusually large, causes extreme pain, recurs frequently, or persists for more than two weeks. Professional evaluation can determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment, especially with additional symptoms like fever.