Introduction
If you eat or drink something too hot, it can happen relatively quickly that you burn your tongue.
What to do in case of a burned tongue?
If you have burned your tongue, the need is often great in the first moment. With a few simple measures, however, you can easily remedy the situation: clean the burned area under cold running water for a few minutes. If there is no sink nearby, water from a bottle is also suitable!
On the one hand, germs are rinsed out of the wound and an infection is prevented. At the same time, the cool water already provides relief! Afterwards it is recommended to suck ice cubes.
Normal food or water ice may contain fruit acid or other ingredients which irritate the fresh wound and can lead to further pain. However, be careful to move the ice cubes back and forth in the mouth and not leave them in the same place for too long. Alternatively, if no ice cubes or running water is available, a clean cloth soaked in cold water can be pressed onto the burned tongue.
In most cases, a burned tongue heals without any further action. However, some people swear by various household remedies, such as honey, chamomile tea or sage solutions. Some of these remedies have antibacterial properties and can thus accelerate the healing process.
Lemon juice is also said to work miracles, but is not recommended because of its high acid content. Also in the pharmacy you can find numerous ointments, solutions and lozenges for the treatment of burned tongue. In the days after the burn, continue to avoid hot, very salty and spicy foods, as they can additionally irritate the wound.
Especially the consumption of hot soup can become very unpleasant. If the tongue does not heal, swells, is strongly reddened, suppurates and even fever occurs, you should in any case consult a doctor or dentist. The inflammation can spread to the whole body (sepsis) and become life-threatening. Such cases are however an absolute rarity! Frequently, a burned tongue also involves the palate, which can lead to swelling of the palate.