Burned Tongue

what does vitamin e taste like
what does vitamin e taste like

How do you heal a burnt tongue quickly?

Most burns heal quickly on their own, within a week or two. In the meantime, you can use several home remedies to feel better faster.

Do:

  • Drink something cool. Most people reach for a cold drink after a tongue burn. This is a good instinct. It’s also a good idea to continue sipping on a cold beverage for several minutes afterward. With more serious burns, the cold can stop the heat from burning into the deeper layers of your tongue.
  • Eat cold (or cool) soft foods. For several days after your tongue burn, eat foods like yogurt, ice cream and chilled applesauce that feel gentle on your tongue.
  • Suck on ice chips or popsicles. Sip a cold drink, or suck on ice chips and popsicles if it reduces the burning and feels soothing. Take care that your tongue doesn’t stick to the ice.
  • Coat your tongue with milk. Many people who enjoy spicy foods use milk to reduce the heat. Milk can also soothe a burned tongue.
  • Use sugar or honey. Similar to milk, you can coat your tongue with honey. Honey also has antibacterial properties that can prevent infection. Another option is to sprinkle sugar on your tongue. Sugar can lessen the pain.
  • Rinse with saltwater. Saltwater can cleanse your mouth of any bacteria that may cause an infection following a tongue burn. Take care not to overdo it, though. Too much salt can irritate your injury. Dissolve about 1/8 a teaspoon in eight ounces of water, rinse and then spit out the saltwater mix.
  • Take pain medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) or other over-the-counter NSAIDs can reduce the pain and inflammation of a burned tongue.
  • Take vitamin E. Vitamin E can help speed the healing time associated with burns, including tongue burns. Squeeze a 1,000 IU liquid capsule directly onto your tongue to promote healing.
  • Attend to your oral hygiene. Continue to brush your teeth and floss while your tongue is healing, taking care not to touch your tongue. Keeping your mouth free of bacteria can prevent infection while your tongue is healing.

Don’t:

  • Drink hot beverages. The heat can aggravate your burn and worsen the pain.
  • Eat foods that can irritate your tongue. Steer clear of acidic foods like citrus, and spicy, salty or crunchy foods that can aggravate your already sensitive tongue.

See a healthcare provider if your tongue isn’t healing or still hurts after a week.

This post was last modified on November 23, 2024 4:39 am