Is your tongue burned too? (Burned Tongue) Let's talk about this!

Have you ever burned your tongue after accidentally putting something in your mouth, or after taking a sip of a hot cup of tea, and cried out in pain, "Ouch!"? Or have you ever burned your tongue after enjoying the deliciousness of a dish and then had a hard time for days? This is something that most of us have experienced at least once in our lives. So today we are going to talk about this more common than you think, but sometimes it can be annoying.

What does it mean when your tongue burns?

Simply put, a burning tongue is when something hotter than you think, meaning that when you put food or drink in your mouth, it damages the delicate tissues on your tongue. Our tongue is a very sensitive organ. It is the tongue that helps us to recognize things like flavors and the texture of food. You may have noticed that there are small, bumpy areas on the tongue. These are called papillae . Some of these papillae contain taste buds , which are cells that detect taste.

So, when you burn your tongue, these papillae and taste buds are damaged. This damage can make your tongue sore, and it can also reduce your ability to taste food and drink. But don't worry, most of the time, tongue burns like this aren't serious. Our taste buds grow back pretty quickly. There are also some home remedies you can try until your tongue heals. However, sometimes, if the burn is more serious, you should definitely see a doctor.

How serious can a tongue burn be?

Most of the time, a tongue burn is not serious and will heal on its own. However, as with other burns, if the heat has damaged the deeper tissues of the tongue, then you should seek medical attention immediately to prevent more serious conditions such as infections .

There are generally three types of burns:

First-degree burn

This only damages the top layer of tissue on your tongue. You may feel some mild pain , and your tongue may look pink or red. This is how most people get a burn on their tongue. It usually heals in a few days.

Second-degree burn

This damages the surface tissue of the tongue, as well as some of the underlying tissue. Like a first-degree burn, the tongue may be painful and may appear pink or red. However, blisters may form. It is best to see a doctor if you have a burn like this.

Third-degree burn

This is the most serious case. The deeper layers of tissue inside the tongue are damaged. The pain can be unbearable, or sometimes there may be a loss of sensation in the tongue. The tongue may appear white or black as if it has been burned. However, severe tongue burns are very rare. In such cases, you should definitely see a doctor immediately.

Remember: If you can't imagine the severity of the burn, it's best to see a doctor.

Why does our tongue burn?

Most of the time, the tongue burns for very simple reasons.

• Putting food in your mouth before it's cold: We all love to eat hot food and drink tea. But sometimes that heat can be too much for our tongue to handle. Imagine if you suddenly put a hot rice in your mouth when you're really hungry, or if you're rushing to get to work after drinking a coffee in the morning... This is when this is most likely to happen.
• Inattention: This is the main enemy! Most of the time, when we eat or drink something, we do it while doing something else. Maybe while watching TV, on the phone, or thinking about something else. Then we don't pay much attention to the heat of the food. Suddenly, we put a mouthful of hot food or a sip of hot tea in our mouth.
• Microwaved food: Microwaves do not heat food evenly. Some places get hotter, some places get colder. This can be tricky. It may be hot enough when you take the first bite, but the next bite can burn your tongue. So be careful when eating microwaved food.

What are the symptoms of a burnt tongue?

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the burn. In addition to a burning sensation, you may experience:

• Tongue pain: This is the main symptom.
• Decreased or lost sensation in the tongue: Sometimes the tongue may feel numb.
• Red or pink tongue, swelling: The tongue may appear swollen and red.
• Loss of taste or metallic taste in the mouth: You may not be able to taste the food you eat or drink as well as you used to, or you may have a strange taste in your mouth.
• Smooth tongue: When the papillae we talked about earlier are damaged, they can disappear for a while and the tongue can become smooth.

However, there is a condition called geographic tongue , which can also cause the tongue to become smooth, red, and inflamed. But it is different from a burned tongue. Geographic tongue is a harmless condition that causes smooth red patches on the tongue surrounded by white or gray. The exact cause is not yet known, but it is not related to burns.

How does a doctor diagnose a tongue burn?

When you go to see a doctor, they will examine your tongue to see how serious the burn is. They will also ask you questions about what happened before your tongue burned, what you put in your mouth, and more to try to figure out the cause.

How to heal a burned tongue quickly? Things you can do at home

The good news is that most tongue burns heal on their own within a week or two. In the meantime, there are some simple things you can do at home to help reduce the pain and speed up the healing process.

Do these things:

• Drink something cold: Many people who have a burned tongue will drink a glass of cold water. This is a good thing. It is also good to drink cold water or another cold drink for a few minutes after the tongue is burned. In cases of a more serious burn, this cold can also stop the heat from reaching the deeper tissues of the tongue.
• Eat cold (or chilled) and bland foods: For a few days after a tongue burn, eat bland foods that are easy on the tongue, such as yogurt, ice cream, and well-chilled applesauce. A little bit of our milk is fine, as long as it's cold.
• Suck on ice cubes or popsicles: Like drinking cold water, sucking on ice cubes or popsicles can also help reduce inflammation and provide relief. But be careful, as the ice can get stuck in your tongue.
• Apply some milk to your tongue: Some people drink milk when their mouth burns after eating spicy food. Similarly, applying some milk to your tongue can also provide relief when your tongue burns.
• Use sugar or honey: Like milk, you can also rub a little honey on your tongue. Honey has antibacterial properties , which can help prevent infections. Another option is to rub a little sugar on your tongue. Sugar can help reduce pain.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water: You can use salt water to help clean your mouth of bacteria that can cause infections after a tongue burn. However, be careful not to use too much salt, as this can irritate the wound. Dissolve about 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water (about 8 ounces), rinse your mouth thoroughly, and spit it out.
• Take painkillers: You can reduce the pain and swelling of your tongue by taking paracetamol, ibuprofen , or another NSAID painkiller that you can buy from the pharmacy.
• Take Vitamin E: Vitamin E is known to help burns, including tongue burns, heal faster. Break open a 1,000 IU liquid capsule of Vitamin E and apply the liquid directly to the sore on your tongue.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing until your tongue heals. But be careful not to rub the sore on your tongue. Keeping your mouth free of bacteria will help prevent infections while your tongue heals.

Don't do these things:

• Don't drink hot drinks: Heat can make your burn worse and the pain worse.
• Avoid foods that are bad for your tongue: Stay away from acidic foods like lemons and oranges, pickles, spicy foods, salty foods, and crunchy foods for a while. These can further irritate your already sensitive tongue.

If your tongue doesn't heal after about a week, or if the pain is still there, definitely see a doctor.

How do you prevent your tongue from burning?

The best way to prevent a burning tongue is to taste a little before you take a big bite or a big sip. For example, take a small sip before you drink a hot drink. In addition to protecting your tongue from burning, paying attention to your food and drink also helps you practice mindful eating . This mindful eating habit can help you make healthier food choices and enjoy the flavors of your food.

How long does it take for burned taste buds to heal?

Your tongue will heal very quickly. The cells in your taste buds will regenerate within a week or two. This means that even if you have a burnt tongue, your taste buds will taste less delicious for a few days, but your sense of taste should return to normal within about a week.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of a second-degree or third-degree burn, see a doctor or dentist immediately . If your symptoms do not improve within a week with home care, make an appointment to see a doctor.

If you have any of these signs of infection , seek medical advice immediately:

• Fever.
• Increasing pain, redness, or swelling.
• A pus-like fluid flows from the tongue.

What is the difference between a burning tongue and burning mouth syndrome?

The symptoms of a burning tongue are similar to those of a condition called Burning Mouth Syndrome - a burning sensation on the tongue or roof of the mouth. However, the two are not the same.

Unlike a burning tongue, a burning mouth is not caused by damage to the tissues of the tongue. It is more of a burning sensation than a reaction to tissue damage. It is usually difficult to find the cause. The burning starts suddenly, gradually increases throughout the day, and often subsides at night. The cycle can begin again the next day.

A mouth ulcer, like a burnt tongue, will not heal on its own. You will need to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

What we need to learn from this (Take-Home Message)

With our busy lifestyles, many of us have experienced a burning tongue at some point in our lives. Whether it's trying to eat a slice of pizza straight from the oven, or trying to drink a freshly brewed cup of coffee in one gulp, this can happen because we don't think about the heat.

If you accidentally burn your tongue, listen to your gut. Drink some cold water or milk. Avoid salty, spicy, or crunchy foods until your tongue heals, and be gentle with your tongue. If you think the burn is serious, don't hesitate to see a doctor. He or she can examine your wound and help prevent serious conditions like infection. Taking care of your health is the most important thing!

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