How to Treat a Burn in the Mouth from Hot Food

We've all done it—taken a bite of food or a sip of a hot drink too quickly and ended up with a painful burn in the mouth. While most mild burns heal on their own, knowing how to care for them properly can reduce discomfort and prevent complications.

What Happens When You Burn Your Mouth?

The tissues inside the mouth, especially the roof (palate) and tongue, are highly sensitive. Burns from hot pizza, soup, coffee or toasted sandwiches can damage the delicate mucous membranes, causing redness, blisters, and soreness.

First Aid for a Mouth Burn

1. Cool It DownRinse your mouth gently with cool (not cold) water or suck on an ice cube to reduce the temperature and relieve pain.

2. Avoid IrritantsRefrain from eating spicy, acidic, or salty foods until the area heals. These can worsen irritation and slow recovery.

3. Keep It CleanMaintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle. Rinse with a saltwater solution to help reduce the risk of infection: mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse several times a day.

4. Use Soothing GelsOver-the-counter oral gels may offer relief by creating a protective barrier over the affected area.

5. Let It HealMost mild burns heal within 3–7 days. Avoid poking at blisters or peeling skin.

When to See a Dentist

If the pain is severe, blisters are large, or the area doesn’t heal within a week, it’s best to see your dentist. At Gentle Care Dentistry in Hornsby, we can assess the severity of the burn and recommend suitable treatment, including prescription mouth rinses or ointments.