Dentists Explain How Child Burned His Tongue From Eating Popular Sour Candy

A child from Perth in Australia burned his tongue after enjoying his Easter treats, and his mother did not expect that he would suffer pain and irritation after eating an extra sour candy.

The mom shared a photo of his son's injury to CPR Kids to warn other parents and spread awareness about the risk of eating sour candy. The organization also stated that some sour candy packaging, which is quite popular in Australia, actually includes a warning label stating that it's not advisable to give the treats to kids as young as four years old because they have sensitive tongues and mouths.

Dentist Dr. Jonathan Teo agreed with the advice because sour candies have high acid or pH levels, even higher than the acid content in vinegar. This means that even adults should avoid eating this kind of candy because of its general effect on their dental health, with both acid and sugar in its ingredients.

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High Acid Breaks Down Tissues in the Mouth

According to orthodontist Dr. Heather Kunen, the common ingredients of sour candy are tartaric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, and ascorbic acid. Consuming a lot of this treat can lead to a burned tongue or mouth and a very uncomfortable feeling because the acid breaks down the tissues. It can also hasten tooth decay since sour candy alters the pH level.

Cases of a burned tongue from eating sour candy are not shocking to the dentists because these treats are a hit with young children despite their taste and frequent advice.

In 2015, a kid from Sydney also ended up with a hole on his tongue's surface after eating Warhead candies, which are known to be extremely sour. Lachlan Canak, seven years old, snuck a sour lollipop before going to school and then came running and crying to his mother after his tongue felt painful.

A 4-year-old girl Australian girl, Willow Wright, four years old, scarfed down ten sour candies in one go and then ended up with a painful burning sensation in her mouth. Her mother, Kelly Wright, said that her daughter raided the kitchen cupboard and took all of the Warhead treats. Her mother also shared pictures of the little girl, whose tongue's surface had been peeling.

Wright said she cried when she saw her daughter's burned tongue because she had never seen it before. They went to the dentist, who said that all they could do was to wait for the blisters to subside and heal on their own, according to the New York Post. 

Instant Relief for Sour Candy Burned Tongue

Kunen said that eating or drinking milk, yogurt, or cheese may help with the discomfort, rawness, and sensitivity as dairy products will neutralize the pH balance in the mouth, per Bustle. Fortunately, dairy products also have casein that can help protect the enamel of the teeth. The dentist also said that when the tongue starts to peel, it's beginning to heal.

Dr. Shelley Gawth recommends drinking plenty of water after eating sour candy. She does not recommend sucking sour lollipops for a long period. If the burn gets bad, it's best to visit a dentist for treatment, as medication may be needed at this point.

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