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.
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- How to Soothe a Burnt Tongue
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Throat Lozenges
- Ice cream, sherbets and popsicles
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1
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.
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2
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.
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3
Suck on an ice cube. Don't bite down on the cube, though, because it can crack your teeth.
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4
Inhale air through your mouth, across and over your tongue. The cool breeze will help relieve some of the sting.
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5
Suck on a cough drop containing phenol, which helps numb the tongue's surface.
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6
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.
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7
Avoid using mouthwash or harsh toothpaste until the burn heals.
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8
Pass on oranges, pineapple and other acidic foods until your tongue stops hurting.
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