The bright flavor of oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits and other citrus fruits is hard to resist. Ideal for breakfast and brunch, citrus fruits are packed with vitamins and lend flavor to juices as well as being delicious whole. But indulging in too much citrus fruit can do a number on your tongue and mouth. The acid contained in citrus fruits often causes canker sores on the sensitive tissue on the tongue, making eating other foods painful. Address the sores to help heal the pain and reduce the amount of citrus fruit you eat to avoid pain in the future.
Step 1
Mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 4 ounces of water until the salt dissolves. Pour the mixture into your mouth and swish vigorously for 30 seconds, concentrating on the area where your tongue is the most sore. This may provide temporary pain relief.
Step 2
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Both work to lessen the intensity by which your body feels pain and will also help reduce swelling and pulsing, which makes your sore tongue even worse. Take painkillers according to package directions.
Step 3
Apply a topical numbing agent containing benzocaine. Products for teething babies or toothaches and gum-numbing ointment work well for temporary relief on the tongue, gums and inside of the mouth as well. This especially effective immediately before you need to speak or eat.
Step 4
Mix a solution of half hydrogen peroxide and half water. Stir to combine, then dip a cotton swab into the solution. Hold the moist cotton swab directly over any sores on the tongue to find relief and to disinfect the area from germs or bacteria, which could cause infection and a delay in the healing process.
Step 5
Brush your teeth and use mouthwash regularly as usual. While using toothpaste might sting the mouth at first, both toothpaste and mouthwash work to rid the mouth of germs for a smoother healing process. As an added bonus, if you brush your teeth regularly, you'll be less likely to be tempted by a piece of citrus fruit directly afterward, since the minty taste of toothpaste makes citrus taste bitter.
Things You'll Need
- Salt
- Water
- Painkillers
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
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