Five Remedies for Burning Tongues

How to Soothe and Heal a Burned Tongue

Burning your tongue is something that does not happen often, but when it does all we want to know is how to make the pain stop. Burning tongue often happens when we attempt to eat or drink foods that are far too hot, which can cause the papillae – natural bumps on the tongue’s surface – to temporarily disappear. When oral burns occur, a swift response is required in order to soothe the pain. Here are several remedies to help soothe and heal a burned tongue quickly to stop the pain.

Cool Down Your Tongue

After burning your tongue, consume a food that is cold and soft in order to numb the area. Reach for foods that are easy to eat like yogurt, fruit cups, or applesauce, which can help stop the burning sensation on the tongue. Always make sure to drink a glass of water while eating these foods as well to help wash away sugar and food debris and therefore prevent acid production and the development of cavities.

Drink Water

Right after burning your tongue, it is important to act quickly, and the first step in getting relief is to drink a cold glass of water. Cold water quickly regulates the irritation on the tongue as well as helps bring down the burn’s temperature and keeps the mouth hydrated. Hydration is important since saliva production helps keep bacteria from further affecting the area. Make sure to stay away from foods or drinks that are overly hot until the burn heals, as they only irritate the burn further.

Use Salt Water

Once the mouth has cooled, rinsing with salt water can help prevent further problems. By mixing 1/8 tsp. of salt with 8 oz. of water, swishing it around the mouth and then gently spitting the mixture out can help reduce pain and swelling and help relieve the pain of the burn. Additionally, the natural antiseptic properties of salt help reduce the possibility of infection on the tongue.

Use Sugar

Believe it or not, sugar is a natural pain reliever and something that can be found in almost all home pantries. A sprinkle of sugar on the tongue can help dull the pain caused by a burn, but make sure to use it conservatively since sugar is generally known to not be good for teeth. Honey is an alternative to sugar that can also provide pain relief and is believed by some to have antibacterial properties to help prevent infection.

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