Tongue burns are a frequent occurrence. They typically occur after you eat or drink something hot such as coffee or soup. Tongue burns may also be the result of dry mouth, dentures, vitamin deficiencies, allergic reactions, diabetes, hormone imbalance, injury to the mouth, or grinding of the teeth. Fortunately, a mild tongue burn isn’t usually a big deal and will heal on its own.
Symptoms of Tongue Burn
The type of symptoms you may experience if you burn your tongue depend on the severity of your burn. A first-degree burn may lead to pain and a tongue that’s red and swollen. Since the outermost layer and the under layer of the tongue are affected, a second-degree burn is more painful and may result in blisters.
The most severe type of tongue burn is a third-degree burn, which affects the deepest tissue of the tongue. If you have this type of burn, you’ll likely face white or burnt skin and severe pain and discomfort.
Treating Tongue Burn
Treatment for tongue burn is based on the type of burn you’ve experienced. If you have a first-degree burn, be sure to drink and rinse the area thoroughly with cool water for several minutes. You can suck on ice cubes or a popsicle to relieve the pain and/or take some over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil.
If your burn doesn’t improve or shows signs of infection, it’s a good idea to consult the dentist. In addition, if you believe your burn is a second-degree or third-degree burn, reach out to the dentist as well.
Contact Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are facing serious tongue burn, don’t hesitate to call our office today at 703-439-1214. We’ll evaluate your tongue and mouth and inform you of next steps.