If you have ever sipped tea or coffee in a hurry, chances are you may have burnt your tongue. A tongue burn is a common occurrence, and many people face it. It is painful and can cause discomfort. But you shouldn’t worry too much as the burn will get better with time. Meanwhile, you can try these simple remedies to heal a burnt tongue and get rid of the pain.
Have ice-cream or place some ice
Eating something cold or applying some ice on the burnt tongue will minimize pain and swelling and help heal the affected tissue. Cold soothes the burn and prevents further damage. This will also keep your mouth hydrated and increase saliva flow which is important to keep the bacteria on the go. You can try some ice ships, frozen popsicles, or ice cream. A cold fresh juice or water will also do the job.
Apply Some Honey
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can reduce the discomfort of burn. Take a teaspoon full of honey and let it stay on your tongue for a while. Swallow it when it becomes difficult to hold. Do the same 2-3 times in a row for immediate relief.
Eat Yogurt
Eating yogurt is of the best ways to heal a burnt tongue. The soothing and cooling effect of yogurt is something you need right now. If you have burnt your tongue, eat some yogurt and wait for the relief. Eat a spoonful of yogurt and let it sit on your tongue for a while before swallowing it.
Sprinkle Some Sugar
Sprinkle a small amount of sugar on the burnt tongue and wait for it to dissolve. The sugar will take away the pain and discomfort within a few minutes. Additionally, the sense of taste that was compromised due to the burn will come back.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an effective remedy that can treat several types of injuries and burns. Take some raw aloe vera gel extracted from the plant and apply it to your burnt tongue. The soreness will vanish immediately. Aloe vera can heal the damaged cells of a burnt tongue and soothe the pain.
Mint
Mint contains menthol, which has numbing properties. Applying mint on the burnt tongue can minimize the swelling and pain. A mint toothpaste can do the trick, or you can sip cold mint tea. Chewing mint gum will also work. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of mint can prevent further damage to your tongue.
Use an over-the-counter topical anesthetic
If your tongue burn is causing too much pain, oral topical anesthetic gels can be used to numb the pain. Benzocaine is the active ingredient that helps with numbness.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers
If the above tricks to heal a burnt tongue aren’t working well, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers to soothe the discomfort. Any pain medication would work for tongue pain.
However, if the pain is severe and doesn’t get better with the home remedies discussed above, you should see your doctor or dentist.