What Happens if You Eat Too Many Sour Skittles?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a 2016 study by Australian consumer group CHOICE, some sour candies, including Sour Skittles, have a pH level low enough to cause soft tissue damage. If you eat too many sour Skittles, the potent combination of sugar and acid can lead to a variety of painful oral and digestive issues.

Quick Summary

Overconsumption of sour Skittles can lead to temporary but painful tongue peeling and mouth sores, accelerated tooth enamel erosion, and digestive problems like heartburn.

Key Points

Tongue and Mouth Sores: The high acidity in sour Skittles can cause chemical burns, leading to painful peeling of the tongue and mouth sores.
Irreversible Enamel Erosion: The low pH level of sour candies dissolves tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity and the risk of cavities.
Digestive Distress: Overeating acidic and sugary candies can lead to heartburn, indigestion, and stomach upset.
Immediate Actions to Mitigate Damage: Rinse your mouth with water or milk and wait to brush your teeth after consumption to protect enamel.
Moderation is Key: Limiting your intake is the most effective way to avoid the harmful oral and digestive side effects of sour candy.

The Dual Threat: Acid and Sugar

Sour Skittles pose a double-edged threat to your oral and digestive health due to their high acidity and sugar content. The sour coating is typically made from acids like citric acid, while the candy itself is packed with sugar. When you eat too many sour Skittles, the sheer volume of acid and sugar overwhelms your body's natural defenses, such as saliva, leading to a host of unpleasant side effects.

Oral Damage: The Initial Assault

The most immediate and noticeable effects of eating too many sour Skittles occur in your mouth. The intense, prolonged exposure to high levels of acid can cause chemical burns to the delicate tissues of your tongue, cheeks, and gums.

Tongue Peeling and Sores: The most common symptom is a raw, sensitive, and peeling tongue. The acid essentially burns off the top layer of dead skin cells, which is the body's way of triggering a healing response. In more severe cases, this can lead to painful canker sores or blisters.
Dental Erosion: Unlike the soft tissues in your mouth, which can heal, tooth enamel is irreplaceable once it's worn away. The pH level in your mouth drops significantly with each candy, creating a highly acidic environment where enamel starts to dissolve. This can increase tooth sensitivity and the risk of cavities. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating sour candy can worsen the erosion, as it scrubs away the softened enamel.

Digestive Issues: The Aftermath

As the acidic and sugary payload makes its way through your digestive system, it can trigger further problems, especially for those with existing sensitivities.

Acid Reflux and Heartburn: The combination of high acidity and sugar can increase stomach acid production, leading to indigestion, heartburn, or aggravating pre-existing acid reflux.
Stomach Upset: In extreme cases, consuming a large quantity of sour candies can cause nausea, stomach pain, or a general upset stomach due to the high concentration of acids and sugars.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects


Aspect	Short-Term Effects	Long-Term Effects
Oral Health	Raw, peeling tongue; mouth sores; temporary sensitivity.	Irreversible tooth enamel erosion; increased risk of cavities; persistent tooth sensitivity.
Digestive Health	Heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, stomach pain.	Aggravation of chronic conditions like GERD; potential damage to the stomach lining in very extreme cases.
Overall Health	Temporary blood sugar spike; possible hyperactivity (especially in children).	Increased risk of diabetes with consistent high sugar intake; potential for other issues linked to poor diet.

How to Mitigate the Damage

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to minimize the harm caused by eating too many sour Skittles.

Neutralize the Acid: After indulging, rinse your mouth with water or drink a glass of milk to help neutralize the acid. Dairy products contain casein, which helps protect enamel.
Wait to Brush: Avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 to 60 minutes after eating sour candy. This allows your saliva to naturally remineralize and reharden your enamel.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum increases saliva flow, which helps wash away acids and sugar more quickly.
Limit Consumption: The simplest solution is moderation. Enjoy sour candies as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit.
Soothe the Mouth: If your mouth is already sore, suck on ice chips or apply a dental numbing gel to the affected area.

Conclusion: A High-Acid, High-Sugar Treat

In conclusion, while the temporary agony of eating too many sour Skittles can be a badge of honor for some, the potential for painful and lasting damage is a serious consideration. The high concentration of acids erodes tooth enamel and burns the soft tissues of the mouth, while the excessive sugar contributes to dental decay and digestive distress. By understanding the risks and practicing moderation, you can enjoy these tangy treats without paying a heavy price. Following simple preventative measures like rinsing with water and waiting to brush your teeth can protect your oral health for the long term. For more information on dental erosion, consult a resource like the Minnesota Dental Association's article on sour candy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in some cases, the strong acids in sour candies can erode the top layer of skin on your tongue, exposing delicate tissue and causing minor bleeding.

To heal a sore tongue, stop eating the candy, rinse with water or a mild salt water solution, eat soft foods, and avoid spicy or acidic foods until it recovers. Dairy products can also help neutralize the acid.

Yes, sour candy is highly acidic and can dissolve tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. This increases the risk of tooth decay and sensitivity.

You should wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after eating sour candy before brushing your teeth. This gives your saliva time to neutralize the acid and re-harden the enamel.

Yes, the high acidity and sugar content can trigger increased stomach acid production, which may lead to heartburn or acid reflux, especially if you eat a large amount.

No, the level of damage depends on the specific candy's pH level and how much you consume. Some candies have pH levels low enough to cause significant tissue damage.

Eating too much sour candy can temporarily damage your taste buds, making your tongue feel raw and sensitive. However, taste buds regenerate, and your sense of taste should return to normal within a week or two.