Surely, it has ever happened to you that, after eating a very hot or acidic food such as pineapple, your tongue burns and after a while you are insensitive. Although this does not usually lead to serious health problems, it is very unpleasant, because the tongue bothers you and food does not taste like anything.
At such times, you may be wondering how to remove scalding from the tongue quickly, so at we bring you the best known and most effective home remedies to relieve this discomfort, remove the burning on the tongue and help you heal as quickly as possible
Why the tongue is scalded
Wondering why you feel your tongue scalded? There are many reasons that cause scalding on the tongue, but they can be summarized in two large blocks: the reaction of this organ to certain sudden external factors, and recurrent or chronic health problems. In medical parlance, these situations are known as primary burning mouth syndrome and secondary burning mouth syndrome. In this case, we will refer exclusively to when these conditions affect the language.
Primary burning mouth syndrome is caused by damage to the nerves that control pain and taste. This syndrome is not associated with diseases and usually arises suddenly as a result of an accident or bad practice. The two most common causes are:
- Irritation: can be caused by some food, medication or oral hygiene product consumed in large quantities or incorrectly. For example, brushing your tongue too hard or too many times, using a very abrasive toothpaste or rinse, eating a lot of pineapple or spicy, etc.
- Burn: usually occurs, if you consume a very hot food (drinks or food). These injuries can be mild (first-degree burn) or much more severe (second- and third-degree burn). In the first case, you can take care of yourself at home but in the second, you need to go immediately to the doctor, and before leaving, you can apply first aid.
Secondary burning mouth syndrome refers to health conditions in which constant or very recurrent burning is described in any area of the mouth. The cause of this syndrome is not yet clear, but it is suspected to be related to some of the following:
- Problems with salivary gland function.
- Side effects of cancer treatments.
- Oral problems (infections or other conditions).
- Nutritional deficiencies.
- Allergies or reactions to certain products (medicines, foods, or hygiene products).
- Gastric reflux.
- Endocrine disorders.
- Psychological factors.
- Use of dentures.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Oral habits (for example, biting the tip of the tongue).
If you suffer from a constant burning tongue sensation, we recommend visiting your GP to understand the reasons for your condition.
If you have burned your tongue after consuming a very hot food or have suffered a similar accident, you can relieve pain and heal faster with the home remedies for burned tongue that we bring you below. Keep in mind that these remedies only apply to minor burns on the tongue, if you have suffered serious accidents you should go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Apply cold
The cold helps reduce inflammation of the scalded tongue and also relieves pain. This method will serve both for irritation and for minor burns of the tongue (if they are severe, use better water, and apply it only as primary care before going to the doctor). That said, follow these directions:
- Fill a glass with very cold water or milk. If you don't have milk in the fridge, add ice to cool it quickly. Use water instead of milk if the burn is severe.
- Rinse with cold water or milk. Swish and hold them for 10 minutes. Repeat the remedy every 30 minutes or 1 hour until you feel relief.
- Avoid applying ice directly to the area, because it can make the situation worse (cold burning ice).
Honey
There are many benefits of honey, but in this case, it is important to know that honey is a very effective natural healing agent, in addition, it also works as a bactericide and anti-inflammatory. If you use it to cure scalded tongue, do it like this:
- Place 1 tablespoon of natural honey on the tongue and spread it over the affected area.
- Leave it there until it dissolves. Wait as long as you can, before swallowing it.
- Repeat the operation every half hour or an hour until the injury improves.
Apply cold
The cold helps reduce inflammation of the scalded tongue and also relieves pain. This method will serve both for irritation and for minor burns of the tongue (if they are severe, use better water, and apply it only as primary care before going to the doctor). That said, follow these directions:
- Fill a glass with very cold water or milk. If you don't have milk in the fridge, add ice to cool it quickly. Use water instead of milk if the burn is severe.
- Rinse with cold water or milk. Swish and hold them for 10 minutes. Repeat the remedy every 30 minutes or 1 hour until you feel relief.
- Avoid applying ice directly to the area, because it can make the situation worse (cold burning ice).
Honey
There are many benefits of honey, but in this case, it is important to know that honey is a very effective natural healing agent, in addition, it also works as a bactericide and anti-inflammatory. If you use it to cure scalded tongue, do it like this:
- Place 1 tablespoon of natural honey on the tongue and spread it over the affected area.
- Leave it there until it dissolves. Wait as long as you can, before swallowing it.
- Repeat the operation every half hour or an hour until the injury improves.
Chamomile
Chamomile infusion has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory power, so it is an excellent natural remedy to improve burns on the tongue. To relieve scalded tongue with chamomile infusion, just follow the following indications:
- Dip two bags of chamomile infusion in a cup of boiling water.
- Refrigerate the infusion in the fridge, until it cools as much as possible.
- Once cold, place one of the tea bags over the lesion. Leave it for a while or whatever you put up with.
- Alternate the sachets and repeat the process for 15 minutes.
Chamomile is one of the most used plants in health treatments, find out why in What are the medicinal properties of chamomile.
Milk or yogurt
The fatty and lactic acids in both milk and yogurt possess soothing properties that relieve wounds. Therefore, if you wonder what to wear if you have a scalded tongue, these two products can be your great allies. Follow any of these options to apply this home remedy:
- Rinse your mouth with a glass of cold milk. Keep each loop for a few minutes.
- Apply 1 tablespoon of yogurt on the lesion. It will be even more effective if you mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey. Leave for 10 minutes.
- In both cases, if you don't feel relief, repeat the treatment after 30 minutes.
- This remedy is not advisable in cases of severe burns.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory, soothing and regenerative properties that are especially beneficial for the skin. For this reason, it is ideal for curing scalded tongue and with a few steps you can feel relief from irritation:
- Open an aloe vera penca and remove the gel.
- Spread it directly on the tongue.
- Hold it there, for a few minutes. Despite its bitter taste, you will feel an almost instant relief.
- Rinse your tongue and do not swallow the gel.
- Repeat this treatment until you feel better.
If it is the first time you open an aloe penca, here we tell you how to cut aloe leaves seea.
Sugar
Sugar is an effective healing and bactericidal. So, if you have a scalded tongue, you will find instant relief with this home remedy, just put into practice the following indications:
- Spray some sugar on the lesion (1 tablespoon).
- Press your tongue against the palate until the sugar dissolves.
- Repeat the treatment every 30 minutes or 1 hour until you feel relief.
Salt water
Salt water has a healing effect. So, if you're wondering how to remove the scalded from your tongue, with this method, simply add 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and rinse your mouth.
Physiological serum
The physiological serum is used to clean wounds or superficial burns, as well as for the treatment of periodontal disease and surgical treatments related to the gums. Therefore, it is very effective to use it in the mouth and on the tongue to treat minor burns.
If you use the saline to relieve the scalded tongue, rinse your mouth with a glass of saline. Wait 30 minutes and repeat the process until you feel relief on your tongue.
If you do not have at home, you can prepare your own serum by following the steps we leave you in How to make homemade physiological serum.
Vinegar
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps relieve irritation caused by burns on the tongue. So, if you need to relieve the scalded tongue, this remedy will help you.
Just mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or common vinegar in a glass of water, you can also add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Rinse your mouth with the mixture.
Tips to relieve scalded tongue faster
The sensation of burnt tongue can be very unpleasant and, although it does not last for a long time (about 3-6 days), it is normal that we want to remove it as soon as possible to enjoy food without discomfort. While all of these natural remedies will help you, it's important to keep these tips in mind so you don't get worse on skin irritability:
- Do not drink alcohol or tobacco, as they increase irritation on the tongue.
- Eliminate acidic, spicy or very hot foods.
- Do not consume crunchy foods, as they can scratch your tongue (nuts, chips, among others).
- Eat cold and easy-to-digest food (infusions, creams, yogurt, juices, gazpacho, non-citrus fruits, mousse, gelatin, among others).
If you want to know more tips and tricks to get rid of irritation on the tongue, do not hesitate to visit our article Home remedies for a burnt tongue.
