From the Research
Tomatoes are unlikely to cause oral ulcers in most people, but individuals with specific sensitivities or conditions may experience mouth sores or irritation after consuming them. The relationship between tomatoes and oral ulcers is not well-established in the provided evidence, but some studies suggest that certain compounds in tomatoes, such as acids and allergens, may irritate the mouth tissues of sensitive individuals or exacerbate existing mouth sores 1, 2.
Key Considerations
- Tomatoes contain natural acids, particularly citric and malic acids, which can irritate the mouth tissues of sensitive individuals or exacerbate existing mouth sores.
- People with conditions like oral allergy syndrome, acid reflux, or recurrent aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) may be more susceptible to tomato-related mouth irritation.
- If mouth sores develop after eating tomatoes, temporarily avoiding tomatoes and other acidic foods until the sores heal may be beneficial.
Management and Prevention
- For relief from existing mouth sores, over-the-counter products containing benzocaine (like Orajel) can provide temporary pain relief, while antimicrobial mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine may help prevent infection 3.
- Applying a protective paste like Orabase to the sores can also create a barrier against further irritation.
- If mouth sores persist for more than two weeks, are severely painful, or occur frequently, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes 4, 2.
Recent Findings
- A recent study published in 2022 found that tomatoes and their by-products are rich in antioxidants and may have potential health benefits, but the relationship between tomato consumption and oral ulcers was not specifically addressed 4.
- Another study published in 2020 reviewed the nutritional and phytochemical compositions of tomatoes and their impacts on human health, but did not find a direct link between tomato consumption and oral ulcers 2.