Consuming hot meals and beverages might burn your tongue. Although tongue burns are unpleasant, they are often not serious. Drinking cold beverages and eating soft, chilled meals can be beneficial. If you've burnt your tongue, you're likely experiencing discomfort and sensitivity. Burnt tongue can be painful, there are several steps you can take to help soothe the burnt area and alleviate discomfort. Here's what to do to make your burnt tongue feel better:
1. Rinse with Cold Water
If you have burnt your tongue you need to immediately rinse your mouth with cold water or suck on ice chips to help cool the area and reduce inflammation. Ice has numbing properties, thus drinking ice-cold water or sucking on an ice cube or ice pop will help relieve tongue burnt.
2. Drink Cold Liquids
Sip on cold liquids like water, milk, or a soothing herbal tea to help numb the burnt area and alleviate pain. Avoid hot or acidic beverages, as they can further irritate the burnt tongue.
3. Avoid Spicy or Acidic Foods
It is important to avoid consuming spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that can aggravate the burnt area and prolong discomfort.
Also read: How To Tell If Your Child Has A Tongue-Tie: What Is This Condition?
4. Apply Honey
An analysis of 26 trials indicated that honey was most successful at healing partial-thickness burns and wounds that had become infected following surgery.
Apply a small amount of honey directly onto the burnt area of your tongue. Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and heal the burnt tissue.
5. Use Aloe Vera Gel
Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the burnt area of your tongue. Aloe vera has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and promote healing.
6. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If you're experiencing significant pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, or consuming hot, spicy, or acidic foods until your burnt tongue has healed. These irritants can further aggravate the burnt area and delay healing.
7. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent infection and promote healing.
8. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and promote healing. Dehydration can exacerbate discomfort and delay the healing process.
Also read: Does Tongue-Scraping Prevent Bad Breath?
9. Give it Time
Most cases of burnt tongue heal on their own within a few days to a week. Be patient and allow your tongue time to recover naturally.
If your burnt tongue is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, or if it doesn't improve within a few days, it's essential to seek medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a more severe burn or infection that requires professional treatment.
By following these steps and practicing patience, you can help make your burnt tongue feel better and promote faster healing.