When hot foods or liquids come into contact with the delicate tissues of the mouth, the result is a thermal gum burn. This type of burn is most frequently caused by eating hot pizza or sipping a steaming beverage like coffee or tea. The oral mucosa, the moist lining of the mouth, is particularly susceptible to scalding, although the resulting injury is usually minor. These injuries are classified similarly to skin burns, but the internal nature of the mouth significantly aids the recovery process.
Understanding the Healing Phases
Healing time depends largely on the burn’s depth, which determines its classification. Most accidental mouth burns are first-degree injuries, affecting only the outermost layer of tissue (the epithelium). For these superficial burns, discomfort often subsides within two to three days, and the wound usually heals completely within approximately one week.
The oral cavity is uniquely suited for rapid recovery, often healing faster and with less scarring than external skin. Saliva contains growth factors and antimicrobial properties that constantly bathe the wound, supporting tissue repair. Healing follows four overlapping stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling, which the highly regenerative mucosal cells accelerate.
If the burn is deeper, causing blistering or affecting underlying layers, it is considered a second-degree injury. These more serious burns can take longer to fully resolve, often requiring ten to fourteen days for complete tissue regeneration. The constant moisture and high vascularity of the gums prevent the delayed healing or severe scarring expected from a similar burn on the skin.
Immediate Steps for Soothing Pain
The first step following a thermal gum burn is to immediately cool the affected area to halt damage and soothe pain. Swishing cool water or cold milk provides instant relief by drawing heat away from the scalded tissue. Cold milk is particularly effective because its viscosity creates a temporary, protective coating over the sensitive wound.
Sucking on an ice chip or a frozen fruit pop can also help numb the area and reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on ice, which can cause further trauma to the injured gum. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage pain and reduce inflammation during the first few days.
Protecting the tissue during the initial healing period involves temporary adjustments to diet and hygiene, including using a soft-bristled brush gently over the burned area.
- Avoid consuming highly acidic foods (like citrus fruits or tomatoes) and spicy foods, which irritate the raw tissue.
- Avoid crunchy or sharp-edged foods, such as chips or hard bread, to prevent mechanical injury.
- Gently swish a simple saltwater rinse (half-teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water) a few times daily to encourage healing.
- Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, as alcohol can sting and dry out the mucosal lining.
Recognizing When to Seek Professional Care
While most gum burns are minor and heal spontaneously, certain signs indicate a more severe injury requiring evaluation by a dentist or physician. If pain intensifies significantly after the first 48 hours instead of improving, the injury may be deeper than initially thought. Persistent pain that interferes with eating or sleeping indicates professional intervention is needed.
Signs of a potential infection warrant immediate attention, including pus, spreading swelling, or fever. The appearance of deep white, gray, or charred tissue can signal a third-degree burn, which involves deeper tissue layers and may result in nerve damage, sometimes causing numbness.
Blistering on the gum tissue is characteristic of a second-degree burn and should be examined to prevent rupture and subsequent infection. If the burn has not shown clear signs of improvement or is not fully healed after seven to ten days, a dental professional should assess the area to rule out complications.