It can be frustrating to treat geographic tongue pain without having to resort to topical medications when symptoms become a bother. Some ointments and gels can have negative side effects, especially those that can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription. However, there is a natural way to treat the pain and irritation of sudden symptoms. For many people who suffer from geographic tongue, mint has been discovered to soothe the denuded areas and provide temporary relief.
There are many different mint products that sufferers can try to treat the pain. Fresh mint leaves have brought relief to many individuals, as chewing them seems to stop the burning sensation brought on by the consumption of a spicy or acidic food, but fresh mint cannot always be easily obtained, especially in colder climates, and it would be difficult to keep them fresh and portable at the same time. A better choice would be a natural mint gum. A brand that has no artificial flavors and contains real mint will have the same effect as chewing on mint leaves without having to worry about portability, as gum can be carried virtually anywhere. Chewing gum also triggers the production of saliva, which will moisten the mouth if dryness is what has triggered the outbreak. An artificially flavored gum is not a good choice, as the chemicals that are added to give the gum its flavor may only further irritate the tongue. All-natural mint gum can be found at specialty and herbal stores and can also be purchased online.
Mint candy is another choice for people who want to try mint in order to stop their geographic tongue pain. If chewing gum is not an option because of dental problems, mint candy will offer the same relief without the need to chew. Mint candies come in all different varieties, and some brands even offer a sugar-free version, which is even more beneficial for people who have the infection because sugar is also a trigger for the malady. Allowing the candy to dissolve on the tongue and make contact with the irritated patches has helped with immediate symptoms for many sufferers. Natural mint candy is widely available in stores and not only will it help to soothe the tongue, it will also help to freshen breath as well. There is little danger involved with chewing natural mint gum or mint candies, and while it might not be effective for every person, it is a possible alternative to messy or potentially harmful topical medications.
