I did my first open water swim last week. Near Ft. Lauderdale, I swam 2 miles in the ocean parallel to the beach. When I finished, about 1 inch of the tip of my tongue was numb and stayed numb for a couple hours.
What does this mean?
Former Member
might just be salt irritation.
Former Member
As you spend longer periods of time in salt water, you may find much of the inside of your mouth gets irritated. The roof of my mouth, and the insides of my cheeks get sores. When I finish the swim, I rinse well with fresh water. A few days and it's fine. The price we pay to play.
Former Member
Been there, done that...
Salt water. When I practise in a pool, I have to constantly remind myself not to let any water in!!!
BYW: for all y'all's older folks who love to add salt to everything...your tongue goes salt numb (same with those of us who LOVE hot sauces!!!).
In the old days, salts was used because it kills...........hmmmmm
One technique to start the saliva glands working again –and thus helping you mouth and tongue clear out the salt is to chew on a couple of jelly beans. Some will actually stick to your teeth a while helping to give a pleasant burst of flavor. We discovered this to be a big help especially in the longer swims where an escort boat can offer them to the swimmer. It seams that water or other liquids simply wash out the mouth without really helping – a little chewing action seems to do the trick.
The pink ones are best.
