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Home › What to Do to Make a Burned Tongue Feel Better

What to Do to Make a Burned Tongue Feel Better
Posted on 10/15/2024 by San Francisco Dental Arts
A woman drinking a glass of waterHave 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:

•  Rinse your mouth with cool water. This will help to cool down the burned area and reduce the pain.
•  Suck on an ice cube or popsicle. This will help to numb the pain and reduce the inflammation.
•  Drink cool liquids. This will help to soothe the burned area and prevent dehydration.
•  Avoid hot foods and drinks. This will further irritate the burned area and make it take longer to heal.
•  Avoid spicy foods. Spicy foods can irritate the burned area and make it feel worse.
•  Avoid acidic foods. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, can also irritate the burned area.
•  Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce the pain and inflammation.
•  Use a topical anesthetic. A topical anesthetic, such as Orajel, can help to numb the pain.
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