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You know the feeling: you take a bite of hot pizza and feel an instant burn on the roof of your mouth or tongue. Sometimes it lasts a few minutes, and other times it lasts a few days. Luckily, most mouth burns like these don’t require medical attention, and there are home remedies available to help your mouth heal safely in the meantime.
Whether you have blisters or a naturally tender palate, many of these at-home remedies allow you to deal with the pain. However, if you can't find relief, it's best to call your dental professional for a second look and ensure you don't have an open sore that's prone to infection. Until then, here are a few tips on how to heal the burned roof of your mouth when you've bitten into your food too quickly.
One of the simplest ways to relieve a burnt roof of your mouth is an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen sodium can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Be sure to read the package directions to ensure you’re taking the correct dosage.
Thinking about chips and salsa? Think about this first: crunchy foods can become sharp when breaking them down in your mouth, irritating your burn further. Hot, spicy, and citrus foods can also prolong irritation. For a couple of days after a bad burn, it's best to stick with soft, cold foods and drinks. Not only will this limit irritation, but cold foods like ice pops, yogurt, and applesauce can help you find relief from the abrasive sensation on your tongue or hard palate. Much like applying a cold compress to a minor burn on your arm, cold foods, and even cold water, can "cool down" the nerves, so be sure to raid your fridge for items that will aid your comfort.
The healthier your mouth, the faster the recovery. Having a clean mouth helps prevent infection, which could be brought on by a burn or blister. That means brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush, and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss, water flossers, or another interdental device.
If you think your burn might be more serious, reach out to your dental professional. They’ll be able to check out your symptoms and guide your treatment process. The American Dental Association lists mouthwashes as remedies for oral sores—and your doctor may prescribe you one based on your symptoms or make a recommendation for an over-the-counter type. They can also prescribe oral medications and ointments, depending on the seriousness of your condition.
A burned roof of your mouth is no fun, especially if you were hoping to enjoy a nice hot slice of pepperoni pizza. But just like the skin on your body, food that is too hot can cause soreness and burns that may cause irritation for a day or two. Luckily, these burns heal most often heal on their own, and with a little at-home care, your mouth—and bright, healthy smile—will be back to normal in no time.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
