How to Soothe a Burnt Tongue

Introduction

That soup just smelled too good to wait for it to cool, didn't it? If you're a big coffee or tea consumer you've probably burnt your tongue once or twice before and know that it wont feel the same for another day or two, unless you do something about it of course.

By: eHow Health Editor

Length: 1:28

Comments: 16

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Tips & Warnings:

Contact a doctor if you have suffered a serious burn, blistering or severe pain, to your tongue. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Step1

Remember that the surfaces of your mouth and tongue are mucus membranes, and as such, they heal faster than other areas of your body. So even though your tongue may really hurt, be comforted in knowing that by tomorrow, the burn should be gone.

Step2

Cool your tongue with a frozen dessert such as ice cream or sherbet. Let the treat linger on top of your tongue before you swallow it. For severe burns, frozen foods can be left on top of the tongue for 3 to 4 minutes, until the tongue becomes slightly numb and the pain is dulled.

Step3

Suck on an ice cube. Don't bite down on the cube, though, because it can crack your teeth.

Step4

Inhale air through your mouth, across and over your tongue. The cool breeze will help relieve some of the sting.

Step5

Suck on a cough drop containing phenol, which helps numb the tongue's surface.

Step6

Talk to your doctor about a prescription for lidocaine hydrochloride oral topical solution, 2 percent, to apply to your tongue. This will numb it and completely relieve your pain.

Step7

Avoid using mouthwash or harsh toothpaste until the burn heals.

Step8

Pass on oranges, pineapple and other acidic foods until your tongue stops hurting.

Comments

beyond said

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on 7/12/2008 ProVolcom, lol wow your tongue got pwned by delish chicken pot pie...

ProVolcom214 said

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on 1/8/2008 My tongue got pwnd by some amazingly delish chicken pot pie. I immediately put sugar on it, once the sugar dissolved, I sucked on an ice cube. It was good times for all.

starish said

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on 8/17/2007 From my experances I found that using olive oil will heel the burn so fast.

Shawn said

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on 8/17/2007 the ice cream or popsicle trick is a great idea for kids

stangstri06 said

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on 3/25/2007 I've had 2nd, and 3rd degree burns on my tongue, and I've found that 'Anbesol:Maxium Strenght' really helps, just rub it on your tongue, and it numbs it. Plus you can get it at most places (even places like Wallmart), I always have some 'Anbesol'with me, in-case I burn my tongue (which is a lot)
Well I hope that helps :~D

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