A mouth burn occurs when oral tissues come into contact with something excessively hot. This common injury often results from consuming hot foods or beverages, like scalding coffee or pizza. The healing time for a mouth burn varies depending on how deeply the tissue is affected and individual circumstances.
Understanding Mouth Burn Severity
The severity of a mouth burn directly influences its healing duration. Most mouth burns are superficial, affecting only the outermost layer of tissue. Symptoms include redness, mild swelling, and pain, with the skin peeling within a few days as it heals. A first-degree mouth burn resolves within about one week.
A second-degree mouth burn extends deeper, affecting both the epidermis. These burns present with more intense pain, noticeable blistering, and significant swelling and redness. Second-degree burns take around 14 days to heal.
Third-degree burns, which are rare in the mouth, are the most severe. They destroy all layers of tissue and can damage nerves, potentially leading to numbness in the affected area. Such burns might appear white, black, or charred and require immediate medical attention.
Factors Influencing Healing
Several factors beyond the initial severity can affect how quickly a mouth burn heals. The specific location of the burn plays a role, as some areas have thinner, more sensitive tissues. An individual’s overall health also impacts recovery; conditions like diabetes or a compromised immune system can slow the healing process.
Age can influence healing rates, with very young children and older adults experiencing slower recovery. Constant irritation of the burn site, from eating sharp or abrasive foods, can delay healing and increase discomfort. Habits like smoking or alcohol consumption may also impede oral tissue repair.
Promoting Healing and Comfort
To alleviate discomfort and support healing of minor mouth burns, several steps can be taken. Immediately rinsing the mouth with cool water can help reduce pain and prevent further tissue damage. Sipping cold liquids like milk or eating soft, cool foods such as yogurt, ice cream, or applesauce can provide soothing relief and coat the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate healing tissue, including hot, spicy, acidic (like citrus or tomatoes), or crunchy. Maintaining good oral hygiene also prevents infection. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing with a mild saltwater solution (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) can help keep the area clean. Applying a small amount of honey, which has properties that may aid healing, can also provide comfort.
When to Seek Professional Care
While most mouth burns heal without complications, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical attention. If the burn is very painful, extensive, or involves blistering, it warrants evaluation by a healthcare provider. Signs of infection, such as increasing pain, persistent redness, swelling that does not subside, fever, or the presence of pus, should prompt a medical visit.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing after a mouth burn is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Additionally, if the burn was caused by chemicals or electricity, professional care is necessary. Individuals should also consult a doctor if pain persists for an extended period beyond a week, despite home care, or if the burn does not show signs of healing.