Soothing a Painful Burnt Tongue
Posted on 9/1/2025 by Giri Palani |
Have you ever accidentally taken a bite of something too hot and scorched your tongue? It's an unpleasant experience that can leave your tongue feeling sore, irritated, and painful. While a burnt tongue usually heals on its own within a few days, there are ways to soothe the discomfort and speed up the healing process.
What Happens When You Burn Your Tongue?
When you burn your tongue, the heat damages the delicate tissues on the surface. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:
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Pain: The most common symptom is a burning or stinging sensation that can last for several hours or even days. |
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Redness and swelling: The burnt area may appear red and swollen, making it difficult to eat, drink, or talk. |
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Taste changes: You may experience a temporary loss of taste or a metallic taste in your mouth. |
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Blisters: In severe cases, blisters may form on the burnt area. |
Home Remedies for a Burnt Tongue
Most burnt tongues can be treated with simple home remedies. Here are a few things you can do to soothe the pain and discomfort:
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Rinse with cool water: As soon as you burn your tongue, rinse your mouth with cool water for several minutes. This will help to cool down the tissues and reduce the pain. |
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Suck on ice chips or popsicles: The coldness of the ice will help to numb the pain and reduce swelling. |
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Drink cool liquids: Avoid hot beverages and spicy foods, which can irritate the burnt area. Instead, sip on cool water, milk, or tea. |
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Apply a cold compress: Wrap a thin towel around an ice pack and apply it to the burnt area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. |
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Use over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation. |
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Avoid irritating foods and drinks: Avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, as well as spicy foods and alcohol, which can irritate the burnt area. |
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Eat soft foods: Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup. |
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Avoid smoking and alcohol: These substances can further irritate the burnt tissues and slow down the healing process. |
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Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, but be gentle around the burnt area. |
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, a burnt tongue will heal on its own within a few days. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor or dentist:
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Severe pain that doesn't improve with home treatment |
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Blisters that are large or painful |
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Signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or swollen lymph nodes |
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Difficulty swallowing or breathing |
Preventing a Burnt Tongue
The best way to deal with a burnt tongue is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
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Be careful when eating and drinking hot foods and liquids. Always test the temperature before taking a bite or sip. |
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Don't eat or drink anything while you're talking or distracted. This will help you to focus on the temperature of your food and avoid accidentally burning yourself. |
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Use a straw when drinking hot beverages. This will help to protect your tongue from the heat. |
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Let food cool down before eating it. If you're unsure whether something is too hot, err on the side of caution and let it cool down for a few minutes. |
Conclusion
Burning your tongue is a common experience, but it can be uncomfortable and painful. By following the tips above, you can soothe the discomfort and speed up the healing process. If you have any concerns about your burnt tongue, be sure to see a doctor or dentist. |
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