How to Ease the Pain of an Oral Burn

Posted on 12/2/2024 by Timothy H. Kindt DDS

woman with glasses on with sensitive tooth closing her eyes and making a painful expression while touching her face

We all know the feeling of enjoying a hot cup of coffee or a delicious slice of pizza, only to take a bite or sip that's a little too hot, leaving our mouths feeling like they're on fire. An oral burn, also known as a mouth burn, can be a painful experience, but the good news is there are ways to ease the discomfort and promote healing.

Understanding Oral Burns

An oral burn is essentially a burn injury to the delicate tissues of your mouth. These burns can be caused by a variety of things, including:

•	Hot foods and beverages: This is the most common cause of oral burns.
•	Spicy foods: Certain spices, like chili peppers, can irritate the lining of your mouth and cause a burning sensation.
•	Chemicals: Some chemicals, such as those found in certain mouthwashes or cleaning products, can also burn the mouth.
•	Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco can irritate the mouth and increase the risk of burns.

Symptoms of an Oral Burn

The symptoms of an oral burn can vary depending on the severity of the burn. Some common symptoms include:

•	Pain: This is the most common symptom, and it can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
•	Redness: The burned area may be red and inflamed.
•	Swelling: The tissues around the burn may be swollen.
•	Blisters: In severe cases, blisters may form.
•	Difficulty swallowing: The pain and swelling may make it difficult to swallow.

Treating an Oral Burn at Home

If you experience an oral burn, there are some things you can do at home to ease the pain and promote healing:

•	Cool it down: Rinse your mouth with cool water for several minutes. You can also suck on ice chips or drink cold beverages.
•	Avoid irritants: Avoid hot foods and beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco products. These can further irritate the burned area.
•	Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
•	Aloe vera: Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the burned area. Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties.
•	Saline solution: Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in a glass of warm water) several times a day. This can help clean the area and prevent infection.

When to See a Dentist

In most cases, an oral burn will heal on its own within a few days. However, you should see a dentist if you experience any of the following:

•	Severe pain that doesn't improve with home treatment.
•	Blisters that are large or painful.
•	Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
•	Signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.

Preventing Oral Burns

The best way to treat an oral burn is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:

•	Be careful with hot foods and beverages: Let them cool down before you eat or drink them.
•	Test the temperature of your food before you put a large bite in your mouth.
•	Avoid eating or drinking while talking or walking.
•	Be cautious when using spices. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
•	Read the labels of mouthwashes and cleaning products. Choose products that are designed for use in the mouth.
•	Quit smoking and chewing tobacco.

Restoration Dentistry: Helping You Recover from Oral Burns

In some cases, an oral burn may damage the tissues of your mouth so severely that restoration dentistry is needed. Restoration dentistry encompasses a variety of procedures that can help to repair and restore damaged teeth and gums.

If you have experienced a severe oral burn and are concerned about the damage, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can assess the damage and recommend the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

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