A palatal burn, often called “pizza palate,” occurs when the delicate mucosal tissue on the roof of the mouth is scalded by high heat. This injury is typically a first-degree burn, affecting only the outermost layer of cells. Although uncomfortable and temporarily disruptive, most oral burns are minor and heal without intervention. Knowing the proper steps for immediate relief and how to manage the healing process is helpful for a fast and comfortable recovery.
Immediate Steps for Soothing the Burn
The first 30 to 60 minutes after the injury are the most important for reducing pain and minimizing tissue damage. Immediately cooling the affected area helps stop the burning process and reduce swelling. Rinsing the mouth with cool water provides immediate relief. Avoid using ice-cold water or directly applying large ice cubes, as this can shock the sensitive tissue or cause further injury.
Instead, gently sucking on a small ice chip, a piece of frozen fruit, or a popsicle provides sustained, localized cooling to the palate. Rinsing the mouth with cold milk may also coat the tissue and offer temporary relief. Swishing with a saltwater rinse, made by dissolving a half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, can keep the area clean and help promote healing.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Topical oral anesthetics containing benzocaine or lidocaine are available as gels or rinses to temporarily numb the affected tissue. Use these sparingly and according to package directions, as their effect is temporary.
Dietary Adjustments to Aid Recovery
For the next few days, adjusting what you eat and drink is important to prevent re-irritation and allow the tissue to repair itself. Focus on consuming foods that are soft, bland, and cool or lukewarm in temperature. Excellent choices include yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, smoothies, soft scrambled eggs, and well-cooked pasta. These foods require minimal chewing and will not scrape the tender palate tissue.
It is helpful to avoid any foods that are physically abrasive or chemically irritating.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
- Abrasive foods, such as chips, hard bread crusts, or granola.
- Acidic foods, including citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, and vinegar-based sauces.
- Spicy foods and excessive salt, as they can cause a burning sensation.
- Hot beverages, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, which can irritate the wounded tissue.
Maintaining hydration is important, and cool water is the best choice. Avoid drinking hot beverages until the palate is completely healed.
What to Expect During the Healing Process
A minor oral burn is typically classified as a first-degree burn, meaning it only damages the outermost layer of the mucosal lining. Due to the mouth’s rich blood supply, the healing process for these superficial injuries is fast compared to skin burns elsewhere on the body. Most discomfort should begin to lessen within two to three days, with the wound often healing completely within five to ten days.
During the first few days, the burned area may appear red and feel sensitive to temperature changes. The sloughing or peeling of the dead surface cells is a normal part of the body’s natural regeneration process, revealing the new, tender tissue underneath.
It is important to continue gentle oral hygiene, using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Avoid picking at any loose skin to prevent introducing bacteria or prolonging the recovery. A temporary dulling or loss of taste sensation in the affected area is sometimes noted, but this typically resolves as the tissue heals.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While most minor palatal burns resolve fully with simple home care, certain signs require evaluation by a dentist or doctor. Seek professional care immediately if you experience severe pain unmanageable with over-the-counter medication. This could signal a deeper, second-degree burn, which may present with noticeable blistering or significant swelling.
Signs of a possible infection also require prompt attention, including increased redness, persistent swelling beyond 48 hours, the appearance of pus, or the development of a fever. Any burn that causes difficulty with swallowing or breathing warrants immediate medical assessment. If the burn has not shown clear signs of improvement after seven days of home treatment, consult a healthcare professional.