After taking the first bite of a steaming piece of food or drinking the initial sip of hot tea, we experience pain across the roof of the mouth because of the burn caused by the hot food or liquid.
Minor burns from hot food is a common experience. Some foods can hold heat of up to 90 degrees Celsius. When put in the mouth, this can cause a burn that will normally heal on its own. Of all the parts of the body, the mouth has the greatest healing potential. Almost all the cells of the mouth turn over almost every few days.{{more}}
Symptoms of mouth burns
1. The palate will be tender and can even blister in some cases. The affected area probably will feel raw and slightly swollen and will have raised sensation.
2. In the worst cases, it may even lead to damaged taste buds on the tongue.
3. Depending on the severity, these may heal in 5-10 days.
4. The swollen palate is very discomforting and one will have an uneasy feeling. It is important to treat the sore palate, otherwise the condition can worsen and can lead to an abscess.
Prevention of mouth burns
Most of these points are obvious, but I will take the time to mention them:
1. Palate burnsâ recurrence can be best avoided by prevention. One should make sure that the food or drink isnât too hot before taking a bite or a sip. One must take additional care while savouring the microwave heated liquids or foods, as they can be hotter than usually expected. Preferably, one must wait for the hot foods to get a little cooler, including sauces, cheese, or hot beverages.
2. Hot slices of pizza must always be eaten with a fork and knife. This prevents the hot and melted cheese from directly coming in contact with mouthâs sensitive palate.
3. Always determine the hotness of food before taking a bite. Be cautious when you are about to eat any hot food.
Treatment of mouth burns
Certain home remedial measures can be effective for treating the mouthâs sore roof. However, if there is no relief, it is always recommended to seek medical help.
Home remedies for treating the sores in the mouth, and especially the palate, include:
1. Water forms the best remedy for burns. Drinking cold water is always recommended after you experience such a burn. Additionally, holding the water in the mouth for some time will also be helpful to soothe the burn.
2. There is a thin lining of the soft tissue that covers the palate. Thus, there are increased chances that blisters are formed due to a pizza burn. Also, there can be seen a flap of the damaged tissue hanging from the roof. In such a case, ice cubes must be rubbed over the area for relief and for avoiding swelling and pain.
3. When convenient, gargles and regular rinsing with salt water also provide relief. The salt water serves to be an antiseptic and frees the area of any infection, while leeching out the excess fluids.
4. Sugar also brings relief. After the burn, it is recommended to swallow some sugar and let it dissolve slowly in the mouth. Honey, being a natural antiseptic, will also deliver soothing results, as it develops a coating over the affected area.
5. Rinsing the mouth with cold milk also provides relief, as it forms a coating over the affected area.
6. It will be required of you to avoid any hot, spicy, or citrus foods till the time your burns heal completely.
7. Cooler drinks or meals will be a better option at such times.
8. Immediately seek assistance if the burnt area remains tender and sensitive even after a week. You might need some antiseptics or topical analgesics.
9. You can take some painkillers, such as âacetaminophenâ twice a day to get relief from pain on account of the palatal sore.
10. Vitamin B-Complex supplements also help speed the recovery process for the sore roof.
Seek medical help
If soreness and blistering of the palate still persists, one should seek medical assistance.
Contact a doctor in the following cases:
1. If condition still persists even after trying the remedies for more than two weeks.
2. If sore palate develops after taking new medications.
3. If a person has a weak immune system condition, including cancer or HIV.
4. If large white patches are visible on the palate.
5. If symptoms worsen, and skin rashes occur and a person experiences trouble while swallowing, coupled with fever and a sore palate.
Dr Keith John
email:drkeithjohn@gmail.com
Clinic: SVG Dental Corporation
Telephone: 784-456-2220
Cell: 784-526-0752
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