Eating hot food or drinking a steaming beverage can result in a painful thermal injury to the tongue, commonly known as a burnt tongue. This injury typically affects the delicate surface layer of the tongue’s tissue, the epithelium, and may temporarily damage the small bumps called papillae, which house your taste buds. While an oral burn is immediately uncomfortable and can affect your sense of taste, most are minor, first-degree injuries that respond well to home care. Understanding the appropriate steps for immediate relief and sustained care can accelerate the healing process.
First Aid for Immediate Relief
The primary goal immediately following a burn is to stop the thermal damage and rapidly cool the affected tissue. Holding cold water or milk in your mouth for several minutes helps to draw heat away from the burn site and reduce the depth of the injury. Sucking on ice chips or a popsicle provides sustained, gentle cooling, which helps to numb the area and minimize swelling. Avoid chewing the ice, as this can cause additional trauma to the injured tissue.
Applying a small amount of granulated sugar directly to the burned area can also offer rapid, temporary relief. The concentrated sucrose may help to soothe the nerve endings in the tongue, lessening the immediate pain sensation. Similarly, honey, which has natural antibacterial properties, can be coated over the burn to provide a comforting layer while also potentially lowering the risk of secondary infection. For a mild cleanse, gently rinse your mouth with a solution of cool water and a very small amount of salt (about one-eighth of a teaspoon per eight ounces of water).
Promoting Recovery and Preventing Irritation
Once the initial heat is managed, attention shifts to pain control and protecting the injured tissue over the next few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be taken as directed to manage discomfort and reduce any associated inflammation.
Topical applications can further aid in soothing the burn and promoting tissue regeneration. Squeezing the liquid from a 1,000 International Unit (IU) Vitamin E capsule directly onto the burn area may support the healing of damaged cells. Alternatively, dabbing a small amount of topical oral anesthetic containing benzocaine onto the most painful spots can temporarily numb the surface nerves.
During the recovery phase, it is important to avoid substances that can irritate the sensitive, regenerating tissue. This includes highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, which can sting the burn, and spicy ingredients like chili peppers, which can intensify the burning sensation. Crunchy or hard foods, such as chips and crusty bread, should also be avoided as they can physically scrape the injury. Furthermore, switch from alcohol-based mouthwashes to a mild, non-irritating rinse, as alcohol can dry out and aggravate the mucosal lining of the mouth.
Signs that Require a Doctor’s Visit
While most tongue burns are minor and heal completely within a week, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. A second-degree burn, characterized by fluid-filled blisters on the tongue, requires attention to prevent rupture and infection. Deep, third-degree burns, which are rare on the tongue, may appear white, black, or charred, and can cause a lack of sensation due to nerve damage, necessitating immediate care.
You should also seek medical help if the burn shows signs of a developing infection. These signs include increased redness, swelling that spreads beyond the initial injury site, the presence of pus, or an unexplained fever. If the pain is severe, if you have difficulty swallowing or speaking, or if the burn does not show clear signs of improvement after five to seven days of home treatment, a healthcare provider should assess the injury.