Have you ever accidentally taken a bite of something that was way too hot? If so, you know how painful it can be to burn your tongue. The good news is that most tongue burns are minor and will heal on their own within a few days. But in the meantime, there are a few things you can do to make yourself feel better.
Why Does My Tongue Hurt So Much?
The tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae, which contain taste buds. These bumps are very sensitive, so even a slight burn can cause a lot of pain. When you burn your tongue, the heat damages the cells in the papillae. This damage causes inflammation and pain.
How to Treat a Burned Tongue
Here are some things you can do to treat a burned tongue:
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Rinse your mouth with cool water. This will help to cool down the burned area and reduce the pain.
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Suck on an ice cube or popsicle. This will help to numb the pain and reduce the inflammation.
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Drink cool liquids. This will help to soothe the burned area and prevent dehydration.
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Avoid hot foods and drinks. This will further irritate the burned area and make it take longer to heal.
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Avoid spicy foods. Spicy foods can irritate the burned area and make it feel worse.
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Avoid acidic foods. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, can also irritate the burned area.
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Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce the pain and inflammation.
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Use a topical anesthetic. A topical anesthetic, such as Orajel, can help to numb the pain.
When to See a Doctor
If your tongue burn is severe, or if it does not start to feel better after a few days, you should see a doctor. A severe burn may require medication or other treatment.
How to Prevent Tongue Burns
The best way to treat a burned tongue is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you avoid tongue burns:
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Be careful when eating or drinking hot foods and drinks. Always test the temperature of your food before taking a bite or sip.
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Don't eat or drink anything that is too hot. If something is too hot to touch, it is probably too hot to eat or drink.
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Wait for your food to cool down before eating it. If you are in a hurry, you can try blowing on your food to cool it down.
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Be careful when using microwaves. Microwaves can heat food unevenly, so be sure to stir your food before eating it.
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Use a straw when drinking hot liquids. This will help to prevent the hot liquid from coming into contact with your tongue.
Oral Care After a Tongue Burn
It is important to practice good oral care after a tongue burn. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are a few tips:
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Brush your teeth twice a day. This will help to remove bacteria and food particles that can irritate the burned area.
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Floss once a day. Flossing will help to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. A soft-bristled toothbrush will be gentler on your burned tongue.
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Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
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Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the burned area.
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See your dentist for regular checkups. Your dentist can check your mouth for any signs of infection and make sure that your tongue is healing properly.
A burned tongue can be painful, but it is usually not serious. With a little home care, most tongue burns will heal within a few days. However, if your tongue burn is severe or does not start to feel better after a few days, you should see a doctor.
San Francisco Dental Arts, 220 Montgomery St Ste. 825, San Francisco, CA 94104, 415-854-9396, thesfdentist.com, 12/17/2024, Tags: dentist San Francisco CA,
Have you ever accidentally taken a bite of something that was way too hot? If so, you know how painful it can be to burn your tongue. The good news is that most tongue burns are minor and will heal on their own within a few days. But in the meantime, there are a few things you can do to make yourself feel better.
