Mouth Roof Burn: Remedies, Causes, and Items to Steer Clear From
Ouch, burnt the roof of your mouth again? No worries, it happens to the best of us. Here's a lowdown on how to treat that annoying burn, plus some tasty tips on what to avoid for a smoother healing process.
Treating a Burned Roof
Luckily, superficial burns heal quickly, usually within 5-10 days. But in the meantime, they can be a real pain. Here are six simple ways to reduce the discomfort and speed up the process at home:
1. Cold treat
Pop an ice cube or a cold popsicle in your mouth to help lower the temperature and ease the pain. You can also go for a refreshing sorbet or a scoop of your favorite ice cream, why not?
2. Saltwater rinse
A saltwater rinse can help reduce symptoms of oral ulcers and promote healthy gums, acting as a short-term pain reliever. To create the rinse, simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of cool water, swish around for up to 30 seconds, spit, and rinse with regular water. You can repeat this up to three times a day.
3. Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief from discomfort. In some cases, an oral anesthetic gel might also be helpful. As always, check the dosage before use.
4. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a proven all-star when it comes to sunburns, but did you know it can also help with mouth burns? Just make sure the product is safe for oral use before applying it.
5. Dairy products
Milk, yogurt, and even cheese might help ease the pain by reducing inflammation and exfoliating dead skin cells from the burned area.
6. Honey
What's the buzz? Honey! Not only is it great for your skin, but it can also help soothe a burn on your mouth. Its natural antibacterial properties may help protect against infections, and it contains amino acids, proteins, and vitamins that could potentially speed up healing.
What to Avoid While Healing
To help your mouth heal swiftly and comfortably, it's best to steer clear of these irritants:
- Acidic foods: These can include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and coffee
- Spicy foods: Skip the chili peppers
- Mint and menthol: Temporarily swap out your mint or cinnamon toothpaste for a more gentle option
- Alcohol and cigarettes: These are harsh on your mouth and best avoided during the healing process
- Hot drinks: Give hot drinks a miss for now
- Hard, rough, or grainy foods: Avoid foods that require plenty of chewing or can cause friction on the affected area
Pro tip: Resist the urge to pick at the loose skin. Doing so can increase healing time and potentially lead to infection.
Why Is My Mouth on Fire?
If your mouth is feeling the burn without any sign of a hot meal, there might be other reasons behind it. Here are some common culprits:
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)
This condition can cause a tingly or itchy sensation in the throat, mouth, lips, tongue, or face when consuming certain fruits, veggies, or nuts that your immune system finds suspicious. Unlike a true food allergy, oral allergy syndrome isn’t usually very severe.
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)
This condition causes a scalding sensation in the mouth for no apparent reason. Other symptoms may include a dry mouth, numbness, tingling, or a strange taste in the mouth. Medical conditions such as allergies, acid reflux, depression, tooth grinding, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, and others can potentially cause BMS.
When to See a Doctor
Most minor mouth burns heal without medical treatment. However, if you experience blisters, weeping skin, severe swelling, or skin that goes paler than usual when you touch it, it's best to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if you have a more serious burn or mouth infection and provide guidance on appropriate treatment options.
The Bottom Line
Burning the roof of your mouth is no picnic, but it usually heals quickly on its own. In the meantime, try some simple home remedies like cold treats, saltwater rinses, over-the-counter pain relievers, or honey, and steer clear of spicy, acidic, or irritating foods for a faster recovery. Stay calm, and your mouth will soon be back to its old self!
- After swallowing a hot meal and experiencing a burn, try incorporating antioxidant-rich foods such as honey into your diet for potential healing benefits and protection against infections.
- While healing from a burned roof, it's advisable to ready your medicine cabinet with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen to help alleviate discomfort.
- In the evenings, before going to bed, remember to avoid consuming spicy or acidic foods, mint or menthol products, alcohol, cigarettes, and hot drinks to promote a smoother healing process for oral burns.
