Things You Can Do If You Burn Your Tongue While Eating

Burnt mouth from hot soup with logo

Remedies for soothing and healing the pain:

Burning your tongue is a common problem when you take a bite or sip of your food or drink without noticing how hot it is. Here are a few remedies that might help to decrease pain and infection.

1. Sip and soothe with cold water

Rinse the area well with cool water for a few minutes. Drink cold water and suck on ice chips or a popsicle to soothe the pain. Coldwater can quickly reduce irritation by bringing down the temperature of your burning tongue and keep your mouth hydrated (salivary flow is key to ensure bacteria don't further harm the area).

2. Things to avoid

Avoid consuming hot liquids & spicy food as it will only irritate the burn.

3. Soft and cold foods

Consuming something soft and cold will help numb the stinging sensation naturally during the day. Foods such as a fruit cup, yogurt, jello, or ice cream can help calm the burning sensation. Also, make sure to drink a glass of water after eating so the food debris left behind is washed away.

4.  Salt water rinses

Once the burning sensation has started to ease off, use warm salt water rinses. Salt has natural antiseptic properties that will help reduce swelling and pain and ultimately speed up the healing process. Swish the warm water around in your mouth gently and then spit it out.

5. Pain relievers

Take OTC pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.

If the burn doesn’t improve and heal within a week or if it exhibits signs of infection like increased redness, pain, swelling, or fever, please consult your dentist.