How to Heal a Burnt Tongue: Natural and Over-The-Counter Remedies
Have you ever taken a sip of a piping hot beverage only to find yourself immediately regretting it? A burnt tongue is a common injury that can cause discomfort and pain while eating or drinking. However, there are plenty of natural and over-the-counter remedies to help soothe and heal your burnt tongue.
Common Causes of Burnt Tongue and Prevention Tips
A burnt tongue is often caused by consuming hot food or drinks. Any food or beverage that’s above 140°F (60°C) can cause your tongue to burn. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent this from happening in the future.
Some of the ways to prevent a burnt tongue include allowing hot food or drinks to cool before consumption, using a straw when drinking hot liquids, and avoiding foods that are too hot or spicy. It’s also a good idea to test the temperature of your food or drink before you consume it just to be sure it’s not too hot.
Natural Remedies for a Burnt Tongue
If you’ve already burnt your tongue, there are several natural remedies that can help soothe the pain. One effective method is rinsing your mouth with cold water for a few minutes, several times a day. This helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. Another simple remedy is sucking on ice chips, which can numb the soreness and provide immediate relief.
Additionally, honey is a natural antibacterial agent that can help in healing the tongue. The antibacterial properties of honey help to prevent the risk of further infection while soothing the painful area.
Over-the-Counter Treatments for a Burnt Tongue
If natural remedies aren’t helping you to find relief, you can consider over-the-counter treatments that may be more effective. Oral pain relievers or gels containing Benzocaine, a mild anesthetic, can help to numb the painful area and provide relief. These are available at most drug stores without prescription, but please consult a doctor before using it.
Dietary Guidelines for a Burnt Tongue
Certain foods and drinks can aggravate the symptoms of a burnt tongue. Spicy, acidic, or hot foods or beverages should be avoided while your tongue is healing. Since these foods and drinks can cause more discomfort, it’s advisable to opt for a soft-food diet. Eat foods and drink beverages that are at room temperature or cold.
The Importance Of Staying Hydrated
Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of a burnt tongue, so it is essential to stay hydrated while dealing with a burnt tongue. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and consume water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, celery, and soups.
Best Practices To Prevent a Burnt Tongue
Offload that temptation of not letting it cool before consuming and exercising caution in kitchen and restaurants to avoid eating hot foods that can cause burns. It is better to be patient than to suffer from this often-unbearable pain caused by burnt tongue. Additionally, monitor the temperature of your food and drink and test it for its temperature before consuming it.
Conclusion
Burnt tongue may be a common injury, but it’s not something you have to suffer through indefinitely. With the remedies shared above, you can reduce the pain and get relief from your symptoms. Just sticking to dietary guidelines and staying hydrated is often enough to help your burnt tongue to heal quickly. By following these guidelines and best practices, you can help to prevent a burnt tongue from happening again in the future.