Managing a Sore Mouth, Throat, and Tongue: Tips for Relief and Better Eating

The following recommendations may help you manage discomfort in your mouth, throat, and tongue while ensuring you are able to maintain good nutrition.

Food Choices for Comfort

• Choose Soft, Bland Foods:

• Softer foods are easier to chew and swallow.
• Soups and stews are good options, as long as the meats are tender.
• Breakfast foods like instant oatmeal, grits, pancakes, waffles, and softened cold cereal are easy to eat.
• Side dishes like cottage or ricotta cheese, mashed potatoes (white or sweet), macaroni and cheese, and rice or risotto are great choices.
• Desserts like custard, tapioca pudding, ice cream, milkshakes, and sherbet can be soothing.
• Snacks such as applesauce, gelatin, smoothies, and yogurt are easy on the mouth.

• Prepare Foods to Make Them Easier to Eat:

• Cut food into small pieces or use a blender/food processor to puree foods.
• Cook foods until they are soft and tender.
• Serve foods with gravy, broths, or sauces for added moisture.
• Opt for canned or soft fruits like applesauce instead of raw fruits with tough skins.

• Avoid Foods That Can Irritate Mouth Sores:

• Stay away from citrus fruits, juices, salty or spicy foods, and acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes).
• Avoid carbonated or caffeinated drinks, as well as alcohol.

• Avoid Very Hot Foods:

• Hot foods can cause mouth and throat discomfort.
• Opt for room-temperature or cold foods for relief.
• Let soups and hot foods cool to room temperature before eating.
• Consider freezing fruits or sucking on frozen fruit pops, fruit ices, or ice chips for a soothing effect.

Nutritional Tips

• Focus on Protein-Rich Foods:

• Protein is important to prevent weight loss, so try to include it in meals and snacks.
• Ground meats, eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, custard, beans, lentils, and smoothies are soft and protein-rich options.
• Eating small, frequent meals may help you manage eating difficulties.

• Stay Hydrated:

• Aim to drink at least 8-10 cups of water each day.
• Drink liquids with your meals to help make swallowing easier.
• Sip cool drinks between meals.
• Consider using a straw to help liquids bypass painful mouth sores.

Oral Care Tips

• Practice Good Mouth Care:

• Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1 quart of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. This helps remove food and promotes healing.
• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they can irritate mouth sores.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further irritation.
• If your gums are sore, remove dentures (except during eating) and keep them clean.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Ask your doctor about mouthwashes or sprays that may help numb the mouth and throat.
• If you notice any bleeding gums or white patches in your mouth, consult your doctor as these could be signs of an infection.

Recommended Foods When Your Mouth, Throat, or Tongue is Sore

• High-Protein Foods:

• Soft, ground or pureed meats, poultry, and fish (e.g., hamburger, chicken salad, tuna salad)
• Casseroles (e.g., chicken and rice, macaroni and cheese, tuna noodle casserole, egg and cheese dishes)
• Dairy (e.g., milk, plain yogurt, custard, milkshakes)
• Creamed soups and stews
• Peanut butter (creamy)
• Liquid nutrition supplements

• Breads, Cereals, Rice, and Pasta:

• Soft, moistened breads
• Cooked cereals (e.g., instant oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat, cream of rice)
• Cold cereals softened in milk
• Pasta and rice with sauce

• Fruits and Vegetables:

• Soft, cooked or pureed fruits (e.g., bananas, applesauce, watermelon, canned fruits, baby food)
• Soft or cooked vegetables (e.g., mashed potatoes, pureed or mashed vegetables, soups, and stews)

• Drinks, Desserts, and Other Foods:

• Non-acidic juices (e.g., apple juice, pear nectar)
• Decaffeinated coffee and tea
• Plain or vanilla pudding
• Soft cakes, cookies, and pies soaked in milk
• Gelatin, ice cream, sherbet
• Popsicles, butter, vegetable oils, cream cheese, and sour cream

Foods to Avoid When Your Mouth, Throat, or Tongue is Sore

• High-Protein Foods:

• Spicy foods (e.g., spaghetti, tacos, curry, chili)
• Tough, dry meats (e.g., dry poultry or fish)

• Breads, Cereals, Rice, and Pasta:

• Dry or tough breads (e.g., dry crackers, crusty breads/rolls, English muffins, bagels)
• Salted breads

• Fruits and Vegetables:

• Citrus or acidic fruits (e.g., oranges, lemons, limes, pineapple)
• Raw fruits or vegetables with tough skins
• Pickled fruits and vegetables
• Tomato-based products (e.g., raw/cooked tomatoes, ketchup, marinara sauce, tomato juice)

• Drinks, Desserts, and Other Foods:

  • Citrus juices (e.g., grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime)
  • Tomato juice
  • Caffeinated or carbonated drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate desserts
  • Pickles, crunchy or sharp foods (e.g., potato chips, pretzels, popcorn)
  • Vinegar and spicy condiments (e.g., pepper, hot sauce, chili powder, horseradish, salsa)

By following these tips, you can help manage mouth and throat discomfort while ensuring that you’re getting the nutrition you need to stay healthy.