Pesky Mouth Ulcers
Ouch! You bit yourself. Now your lip is throbbing, and you already know what's coming next. Those annoying little ulcers might be small, but you don't need us to tell you that they can make any meal far less enjoyable. And while food won't necessarily make them disappear faster, you should still be careful of what you put in your mouth. With that said, here are 10 foods you'll need to avoid until they heal, and 10 that might just help ease the pain.
1. Citrus Fruits
As soon as you get those pesky sores, citrus fruits are the first to axe off your list. Sorry, orange and grapefruit lovers! Since these are highly acidic, they'll only make existing canker sores sting even more. Even drinking juice can be a bad choice.
2. Spicy Foods
Love spicy foods? Well, these dishes should also be avoided when your mouth already hurts. After all, the chili peppers and oil can aggravate the already sensitive tissue surrounding a sore, which will make eating 10 times more painful.
3. Potato Chips
Potato chips are salty and crisp, two things you don't want when you already have irritated ulcers. Even if you eat them carefully, their crunchy edges can scrape against those sore spots, while the sodium may create additional stinging. You’re also better off avoiding greasy fast food.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are naturally acidic, and you already know what that means: they're not great for a healing mouth. That also means you can (temporarily) kiss goodbye to marinara sauce, salsa, and ketchup. Don't worry, though—you'll thank yourself for putting them on hold for several days when you bounce back faster than usual.
5. Pineapple
Pineapple may taste refreshing, but again, it’s highly acidic. Fresh slices can be especially uncomfortable, especially when the tart juices seep into a sensitive spot. Believe it or not, it's specifically listed among fruits that may irritate people who are prone to canker sores!
6. Pickles
If you're one of the few who loves pickles, we're sorry to say you'll have to pick them off your burger like everyone else when you're dealing with inflamed spots. It's not hard to see why: they're soaked in vinegar, which gives them their distinctly acidic bite, and many varieties are also fairly salty.
7. Pretzels
Similar to chips, pretzels can scratch against a tender sore as you chew, and it doesn't help if they have coarse salt stuck to the surface. As we've mentioned with the previous snacks on the list, anything that's both salty and crunchy spells out bad news.
8. Crusty Bread
That piece of garlic bread or toasted sourdough might look tasty, but watch out—they can have surprisingly sharp edges. You don't need us to tell you that those rough corners may tear up your mouth even more and increase discomfort. If you're craving bread, choose softer varieties.
9. Strawberries
Strawberries are nutritious, but don't let that fool you. Their natural acidity may create nasty problems when they touch your canker sores. Some people even say strawberries are a trigger for recurring sores, though you should keep in mind that food sensitivities differ from person to person.
10. Very Hot Soup
Soup might seem like the perfect comfort food for an aching mouth, but temperature matters. Anything that's piping hot can make sensitive spots feel more painful, so always make sure to cool down your bowl first. It's a good idea to pay extra attention to the ingredients added in the broth as well.
Of course, avoiding irritating foods doesn't mean you're stuck eating bland meals until your sore disappears. In fact, there are plenty of things you can still enjoy! Here are 10 in particular that can be soothing for an irritated mouth:
1. Plain Yogurt
Don't have the energy to chew? Opt for some cool, creamy yogurt; it'll guarantee you won't scrape against a tender spot. Plain varieties also avoid the acidic fruit pieces and juices that sometimes come mixed in, which allows you to customize it yourself.
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2. Mashed Potatoes
Instead of fries and potato chips, have some smooth mashed potatoes instead—they're easy to swallow and don't have any rough edges that can catch against a sore. Make sure to keep the seasoning simple, though; if you load the dish up with salt, it'll only backfire.
3. Oatmeal
If you're looking for something more flavorful than yogurt, look no further than oatmeal! Soft and nutritious, it'll give you a filling breakfast that requires little to no chewing. Preparing it with extra milk or water can create an even smoother consistency that's kinder to your mouth.
4. Bananas
Ripe bananas have a soft texture and a mild flavor, and those two qualities alone make them better than citrus fruits. You can eat them alone, or, if you prefer more variety, pair them with oatmeal, or blend them into a healthy smoothie.
5. Applesauce
Want to eat apples but avoid the crunch? Go for applesauce! Since you won't need to bite or chew, it's a great choice if you have multiple sores or one in particular is causing extra pain. Chilling it beforehand may also make it more bearable against tender areas.
6. Avocado
A ripe avocado is naturally soft enough to enjoy straight from the source, and its mild (yet delicious) flavor also means you don't need strong seasoning to spice it up. Eat it alone, or, for something more substantial, mash it onto soft bread.
7. Soft-Cooked Rice
We know—eating plain rice on its own doesn't sound all that interesting! But tender rice does at least provide a neutral base for meals when more flavorful dishes might irritate an aching mouth. If you really rather not chew, you can even boil it into a porridge or congee.
8. Steamed Vegetables
Steaming vegetables helps ensure they're tender enough that you'll still be able to enjoy them with a sore mouth. Carrots and squash might be the more popular choices, but similar veggies, like zucchini, can become very soft when cooked thoroughly, too. Just remember to keep the seasoning mild.
9. Mild Smoothies
A cool smoothie can soothe inflamed spots, but the ingredients matter. You definitely don't want to use any acidic fruits! Taking into account what we've mentioned before, banana, avocado, oats, and other mild ingredients are better choices.
10. Pudding
Pudding is soft and often eaten cold, which means you won't need to worry about chewing or eating it when it's too hot. Of course, eating pudding won't treat your canker sores, but it can make dessert more enjoyable while you heal.
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