A burnt tongue is a common issue that can happen from eating or drinking something too hot, exposure to things like chemical burns, or even smoking.
While most symptoms can be eased with simple home remedies—like rinsing the area, using topical treatments, or sipping cool drinks—some cases might need medical attention.
1. Rinse With a Saltwater Solution
- Mix ⅛ teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water.
- Gently swish it in your mouth.
- Spit it out.
Salt’s natural antiseptic properties can help ease pain, swelling, and other burn symptoms. Warm water also helps by improving tissue survival at the burn site, which can limit further damage.
2. Run Cool Water Over Your Tongue
- Let cool tap water flow over your tongue for about 20 minutes at a time, up to three hours.
The cool water soothes pain, stops heat from spreading, and reduces burn depth. It also speeds up new skin growth, which is the first step in healing.
3. Suck on Popsicles or Ice Chips
Ice pops (like Popsicles) or ice chips can help with pain and prevent blisters.
Avoid chewing ice—it can harm your teeth. The cold also reduces swelling and inflammation on your tongue.
4. Take OTC Pain Relievers
Medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) can ease pain and reduce inflammation from a burnt tongue.
5. Apply Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps healing. Squeeze the liquid from a 1,000 IU vitamin E capsule directly onto your tongue.
Research shows that applying vitamin E directly to burns can improve healing.
6. Use Honey as a Coating
Honey speeds up wound healing in tongue burns. For minor burns, it works better than some standard treatments at fighting infection. It also absorbs harmful free radicals that slow healing.
7. Try Milk
Cow’s milk is rich in calcium, which helps wounds heal faster and improves healing quality.
Studies suggest milk can help repair damaged tissue, even in more severe burns.
8. Use a Topical Numbing Gel
Products like Anbesol or Orajel contain benzocaine, which numbs the area to relieve minor burn pain.
Follow the instructions—don’t overuse it. Wash your hands before and after applying to avoid spreading germs or getting the gel in your eyes.
What to Avoid With a Burnt Tongue
- Alcohol-based mouthwashes
- Soda or carbonated drinks
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Hard, crunchy foods
- Hot foods and drinks
- Ointments, butter, or toothpaste
- Spicy foods
- Tobacco
How Long Does Healing Take?
Healing time depends on the burn’s severity:
- Mild (first-degree) burns (outer layer only): Heal in about a week.
- Severe burns: May take up to two weeks—the same time it takes for damaged taste buds to regrow.
Your tongue heals fast because it has lots of blood vessels, boosting blood flow and oxygen to the area. Saliva also contains a protein that may help healing.
When to See a Doctor
Minor burns usually heal on their own. Symptoms of a first-degree burn include:
- Pain (lasts 48–72 hours, then fades)
- Peeling skin
- Redness
- Swelling
But get medical help if:
- The burn is very large.
- It affects an older adult or infant.
- It seems worse than usual.
Seek care for second- or third-degree burns, which may cause:
Second-degree:
- Blisters
- Trouble breathing, eating, or moving the tongue
- Worsening pain, swelling, or redness
- Affects outer and deeper skin layers
Third-degree:
- Charred or blackened tongue
- Dry, leathery texture
- Affects all skin layers
- Numbness or severe pain
- White appearance
Also, see a doctor if you have:
- Fever that doesn’t improve with meds
- Red streaks from the burn
- Severe damage or pus
- Swollen lymph nodes
Final Thought
A burnt tongue might feel scary at first, but thankfully, it usually heals on its own—and there are plenty of ways to ease the discomfort in the meantime.