Hot pizza. A steaming cup of espresso. Some things are too good to resist – but these hot foods can cause serious pain when they burn the roof of your mouth.
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Oh! The damage can be done, but can you get some relief from that burn? Otolaryngologist Micah Timen, MD, offers his expert advice.
Should I be worried about a burning mouth?
The roof of your mouth, or palate, includes the hard, hard palate at the front and the smooth, soft palate at the back. And when it burns any part of your palate, you definitely know it. Unlike burning mouth syndrome, a burn on the roof of the mouth will occur immediately after eating or drinking something hot.
“Your cervix is covered with a layer of soft tissue that contains a network of nerves that are sensitive to hot foods and drinks,” explains Dr. Mine. “A burn in your mouth can be painful, but it usually heals pretty well on its own.”
Home remedies for a burn on the roof of the mouth
After a burn, the burned area may be sensitive, tender, and painful. These remedies can help you feel better while your mouth heals from the disaster:
Cold water or ice
First order of business: Cool your mouth. It will provide quick relief and can help minimize damage.
“Putting cold water in your mouth feels good and is a surefire way to stop the burning immediately,” advises Dr. Mine. “You can also put a spoonful of ice chips in your mouth. Use small amounts at a time, otherwise the ice may stick to the roof of your mouth.”
Popsicles
Who says a popsicle is just for a hot day? Popsicles are also great for a hot mouth. “Any frozen food will have the same cooling effect as cold water or ice,” says Dr. Mine.
Salt water rinse
You may have learned to gargle with warm salt water to ease the pain of an irritation—and this age-old remedy can also help with sores and other mouth injuries, including a burn.
“Salt has a drying effect on the tissues, which can help them heal a little faster,” says Dr. Mine. “We don’t have any studies that prove salt water helps with mouth burns, but it doesn’t hurt to try.”
To make a salt water rinse, add half a teaspoon of salt to half a cup of warm water. Mix, shake for 30 seconds and spit out.
milky
Swishing some cold milk in your mouth is a remedy worth trying, as long as you are not allergic to milk or lactose intolerant.
“Some people find that drinking milk cools their mouths after eating spicy foods,” notes Dr. Mine. “It’s also a popular home remedy for sunburn, so it can help with mouth burns too.”
Rinse with peroxide and water
Diluted hydrogen peroxide is another good remedy for a burnt mouth.
“Peroxide soothes minor irritations and kills germs,” explains Dr. Mine. “If your mouth still hurts after using cold water, diluted peroxide can provide additional relief.”
Use this remedy only once or twice after the initial burn, as using peroxide for longer periods can damage your tooth enamel. AND never use it full strength – it’s too strong for your mouth tissues and teeth. Instead, create a mixture that is half water and half peroxide.
Mouthwash for mouth sores
If the taste of peroxide is beyond what you can handle, go to the store and look for a mouthwash made for mouth sores. They usually contain peroxide and flavors to make them more palatable.
“After a mouth burn, a peroxide-based mouthwash can help your tissues heal faster,” says Dr. Mine. “Follow the directions on the package and make sure you avoid any mouthwash that contains alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the tissues in your mouth and can delay healing.”
Pain reliever
If all else fails, take some gel in your mouth that contains benzocaine.
“A product with benzocaine provides a temporary numbing effect,” explains Dr. Mine. “This is a safe option if you are in pain and other means are not enough.”
You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Although these medications won’t help the burn heal faster, they can provide some relief if the pain bothers you.
Avoid certain foods and drinks
Avoid things that can make the pain worse, such as:
- Acidic drinks such as carbonated water (seltzer), soda, coffee and wine.
- Foods with sharp corners, such as tortilla chips.
- Hot food or drink.
- Spicy foods.
When to seek medical attention
Mouth burns are usually not an emergency, but some situations require professional treatment. In rare cases, drinking a hot liquid can cause epiglottitis, a serious condition that can block the airways. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Mouth watering.
- Loud voice.
- Inability to swallow.
- Severe sore throat.
- Breathing problems.
You should also seek immediate medical attention if:
- The burn is severe.
- Your baby or child burns the mouth.
- You have burned the corners of your mouth, face or lips.
Time will heal
A burn on the roof of your mouth is bad, but usually, your body will do the work to heal it for you. In the meantime, try some home remedies—and maybe try a cold dessert.
