Is It Safe To Apply Toothpaste On Burnt Area?

By Shubhi Kumar
22 Mar 2025, 13:00 IST

Burns are common injuries that require proper care, but many people mistakenly turn to home remedies like toothpaste for relief. From trapping heat to delaying healing, leads to further damage. Tap to read!

Risk of Infection

Using toothpaste on a burn can introduce bacteria into the burned area. An infection will only delay the healing process and worsen the burn.

Irritation from Abrasive Ingredients

Toothpaste contains abrasive material like baking soda, which will irritate and cause damage to the sensitive skin of a burn. This will cause discomfort and disturb healing.

Fluoride May Cause Harm

Many toothpaste flavours contain fluoride in them which will form a barrier on the skin. It effectively traps heat, which would inhibit the ability of the burn to cool.

Not for All Burn Types

Burns higher than the first degree (e.g., second-degree, third-degree) are classified as burns that require medical evaluation and intervention.

Better Alternatives Available

If apply cool water over a burn or aloe vera are safe and better alternative to packaging your burns. The cooling effect promotes healing and decreases pain without complications.

Potential for Scarring

Using inappropriate remedies like toothpaste can delay healing. It increases the chances of scarring. Proper care is essential to minimise long-term skin damage.

Information credit

This information is sourced from the Healthline. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised suggestions.