Have you ever taken a sip of hot coffee or bitten into a slice of pizza too soon, only to feel a sharp pain and discomfort in your tongue? You are not alone. A burnt tongue is a common occurrence that can happen to anyone, but it can be unpleasant and affect your ability to taste or eat. Fortunately, simple home remedies can help heal a burnt tongue and relieve the pain and discomfort associated with it.
In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of burnt tongue, as well as effective ways to treat and prevent it from happening again. So, if you’ve ever had a burnt tongue and wondered what to do about it, keep reading!
What is A Tongue Burn?
A tongue burn is an injury to the tongue caused by exposure to high-temperature, spicy, or acidic substances. It occurs when the sensitive tissues on the tongue are exposed to excessive heat or irritating substances, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes changes in taste perception.
Tongue burns can range in severity from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury and the cause of the burn. Common causes of tongue burns include drinking hot beverages, eating hot food, or consuming spicy or acidic food. While a tongue burn can be uncomfortable and interfere with eating or speaking, most cases can be treated at home with simple remedies.
What Causes Burnt Tongue
There are several common causes of the burnt tongue, including:
- Hot foods and drinks: The most common cause of tongue burns is consuming hot foods and beverages that are not at a safe temperature. This can include coffee, tea, soup, pizza, or other foods too hot to eat or drink.
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods can also cause a tongue burn or irritation, especially if you are not used to eating spicy foods or have a sensitive palate.
- Acidic foods and drinks: Foods and beverages that are highly acidic, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, can irritate the tongue and cause a burning sensation.
- Chemical burns: Certain chemicals or cleaning agents, such as mouthwash or teeth whitening agents, can cause a chemical burn on the tongue if not used properly.
- Allergic reactions: A tongue burn may be caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods or medications.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a burnt tongue can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the cause of the burn. Common symptoms of a burnt tongue may include:
- Pain and discomfort: The most common symptom of a burnt tongue is pain or discomfort, which may be mild or severe depending on the extent of the injury.
- Swelling: The tongue may become swollen or inflamed after a burn, making it difficult to eat or speak.
- Changes in taste: A tongue burn may also affect your sense of taste, causing a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth or making it difficult to taste certain foods.
- Redness or discoloration: The affected tongue area may become red or discolored, indicating inflammation or injury.
- Blisters: In more severe cases, blisters may form on the tongue, which can be painful and may increase the risk of infection.
How to Heal A Burnt Tongue? Home Remedies
Here’s a table with the best and most effective treatments for healing a burnt tongue:
| Treatment | Description | How to Use | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Water/ Ice Chips | Cooling the tongue with cold water or ice helps to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. | Sip cold water or suck on ice chips immediately after the burn. Repeat as needed for relief. | High (Immediate relief) |
| Honey | Honey has soothing and antibacterial properties that promote healing and reduce discomfort. | Apply a small amount of honey directly to the burnt area. Let it sit before swallowing. | High (Soothes & heals) |
| Aloe Vera Gel | Aloe vera is known for its cooling and healing properties, reducing pain and inflammation. | Dab a small amount of food-grade aloe vera gel onto the burn. Reapply 2-3 times a day. | High (Speeds healing) |
| Yogurt | Yogurt’s cooling texture soothes the burn, and its probiotics may support healing. | Eat plain, cold yogurt to coat the burnt tongue. Repeat as needed. | Moderate |
| Sugar or Salt Rinse | Saltwater rinses help prevent infection, while sugar can soothe by reducing irritation. | Mix 1 tsp of salt in warm water and swish in the mouth. Rinse with cool water afterward. | Moderate |
| Milk | The fat content in milk creates a protective coating that soothes the burn and promotes healing. | Sip cold milk and let it coat the tongue. Repeat a few times a day. | Moderate to High |
| Glycerin | Glycerin has moisturizing and soothing properties, offering relief for burnt tissue. | Apply glycerin to the burnt area and let it sit before swallowing. | Moderate to High |
| Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers | Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation from a burnt tongue. | Take as directed to reduce discomfort. Do not exceed recommended dosage. | High |
| Soft, Bland Foods | Eating soft foods like mashed potatoes or applesauce avoids further irritation to the burnt tongue. | Opt for cold or room temperature soft foods to prevent further damage. | Moderate |
| Avoid Irritants | Spicy, hot, or acidic foods can further irritate the burn and slow healing. | Avoid foods and drinks like citrus, coffee, and hot soups until healed. | High |
| Baking Soda Rinse | A baking soda rinse neutralizes acidity and soothes the burnt tongue. | Mix 1/2 tsp of baking soda in a cup of water. Swish in the mouth and spit out. | Moderate |
| Hydration | Staying well-hydrated helps keep the burnt area from drying out, promoting faster recovery. | Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages. | Moderate |
Additional Tips:
- Healing Time: Most burnt tongues heal within 1-2 days if mild, but more severe burns can take longer.
- Consult a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens, or if blistering occurs, seek medical advice.
This table includes immediate remedies and long-term care options to aid in the healing of a burnt tongue.
How Serious is A Burned Tongue?
In most cases, a burned tongue is not a serious medical condition and can be treated with simple home remedies. However, the severity of a tongue burn can vary depending on the extent of the injury and the cause of the burn.
Mild tongue burns may cause discomfort and pain but typically heal within a few days. More severe tongue burns can cause swelling, blisters, and changes in taste perception, which may take longer to heal and may require medical attention. In rare cases, a severe tongue burn may lead to infection or difficulty breathing or swallowing, which requires immediate medical attention.
Prevention
To prevent a burnt tongue, you can take the following steps:
- Check the temperature: Always check the temperature of hot foods and drinks before consuming them. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the food or drink has cooled to a safe temperature before consuming it.
- Avoid spicy foods: If you are prone to tongue burns, avoiding spicy foods that irritate the tongue may be helpful.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Highly acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, can irritate the tongue and cause a burning sensation. Avoid these foods if you are prone to tongue burns.
- Be cautious with chemical agents: Be cautious when using chemical agents, such as mouthwash or teeth whitening products, to avoid chemical burns on the tongue.
- Slow down: Take your time when eating or drinking hot foods and drinks. Sipping slowly and cooling down the food or drink can help prevent tongue burns.
- Use caution with hot appliances: Be cautious when using hot appliances, such as ovens and stovetops, to avoid accidentally burning your tongue or mouth.
FAQs
Conclusion
A burnt tongue can be a painful and uncomfortable experience, but many simple home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing. By taking preventive measures, such as being cautious with hot foods and appliances, you can reduce your risk of experiencing a tongue burn. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent further complications.
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.