Burning the inside of the mouth, often from hot food or beverages, is a common experience. While usually a minor injury, knowing how to address these burns can significantly alleviate pain and support healing.
Immediate Soothing Actions
Cooling the affected area is the first objective to reduce pain and limit tissue damage. Rinsing with cool water for several minutes helps lower the tissue temperature. Swishing cool milk can also provide relief by soothing nerve receptors. Dairy products like yogurt, ice cream, or cold smoothies offer a gentle, cooling sensation. Sucking on ice chips or popsicles can be beneficial, but avoid holding solid ice directly against the burn to prevent further injury.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce discomfort and inflammation. Topical oral analgesic gels with benzocaine can temporarily numb the area, providing localized relief. Honey or aloe vera gel applied directly may offer additional soothing and support initial healing.
Supporting Oral Healing
After initial soothing, supporting oral tissues involves careful dietary choices and maintaining hygiene. Mild mouth burns typically heal within a few days to about a week. During this period, consuming soft, bland foods prevents further irritation. Options like applesauce, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, or pureed meats are well-tolerated and provide nutrients without excessive chewing.
Avoid foods and drinks that could irritate the healing burn. This includes hot, spicy, or acidic items such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated beverages. Crunchy or sharp foods can also aggravate the healing tissue. Refraining from alcohol, tobacco products, and alcohol-containing mouthwashes prevents further irritation and supports optimal healing.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to prevent infection as the burn heals. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and regular flossing helps keep the mouth clean. Rinsing with a mild saltwater solution several times a day aids cleanliness and reduces bacterial growth.
When Professional Help Is Needed
While most mouth burns are minor and heal without intervention, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Seek medical advice if pain is severe, persistent, or unmanageable with home remedies. Blisters that do not resolve, or signs of infection like increasing redness, swelling, pus, or fever, warrant immediate attention.
Difficulty swallowing or speaking after a burn can signal a more severe injury. Burns from chemical exposure (e.g., ingesting household cleaners) or electrical sources (e.g., biting an electrical cord) are particularly concerning and require immediate emergency medical care. Electrical burns, especially in children, can appear minor externally but may be much deeper and cause severe internal damage.
A healthcare provider or dentist can assess the burn’s depth and extent, identify complications, and recommend treatment. They can also differentiate between a thermal burn and other conditions causing a burning sensation, such as Burning Mouth Syndrome, a chronic condition without visible lesions.