Burnt Tongue: How to Heal with 8 Natural Remedies

Simple remedies that can help relieve a burnt tongue include drinking cold water, eating cold foods, applying honey, or rinsing your mouth with salt water. These methods can help soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and ease discomfort.

A burnt tongue usually happens after consuming very hot foods or drinks, such as tea or coffee. Common symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, increased sensitivity, and, in some cases, discoloration of the tongue.

If these remedies don’t provide relief or if blisters or sores develop, it’s best to see a doctor, dentist, or oral medicine specialist for appropriate treatment.

How to heal a burnt tongue

Several simple home remedies can help heal a burnt tongue and relieve symptoms include:

1. Drink cold water

As soon as the burn occurs, drink something cold to cool the affected area and reduce the burning sensation. Drinking cold water or sucking on an ice cube can help lower the temperature and ease discomfort.

2. Eat cold foods

Eating cold foods, such as ice cream or popsicles, can help reduce the temperature of a burnt tongue and relieve irritation and inflammation.

Yogurt and gelatin are also good options after a tongue burn because they help cool and hydrate the area. Their soft texture allows them to glide smoothly over the tongue, which helps reduce pain and discomfort while promoting healing.

3. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps balance the mouth’s pH and reduce acidity, which can worsen irritation. Staying hydrated also helps keep the mucous membranes healthy and supports faster healing of the burn.

4. Rinse with salt water

Rinsing the mouth with salt water can reduce swelling and pain and help prevent infection due to its natural antiseptic properties.

To make a saltwater rinse, mix ⅛ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces (240 mL) of room-temperature water. Swish the solution in your mouth for a few seconds, then spit it out.

5. Apply honey

Applying a small amount of honey to the tongue can promote healing, as honey has moisturizing and tissue-repairing properties that help shorten healing time.

Honey also has natural antibacterial effects that can prevent infection in a burnt tongue. Read more about the benefits of honey and how it can be used.

People who are allergic to pollen, honey, or propolis should avoid using honey.

6. Rinse with aloe vera juice

Aloe vera has natural anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, healing, and moisturizing properties, making it helpful for relieving the discomfort of a burnt tongue.

Rinsing your mouth with fresh aloe vera juice can help the tongue’s tissue heal and soothe pain, burning, and irritation.

7. Use propolis spray

Spraying propolis on a burnt tongue can help reduce inflammation and promote healing because of its anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing properties. It also has antibacterial and antiseptic effects that help prevent infection.

Spray an aqueous propolis extract directly onto the tongue and let it sit in the mouth for as long as possible.

Propolis should not be used by people who are allergic to honey, pollen, or propolis.

8. Chew peppermint leaves

Chewing fresh peppermint (Mentha piperita) leaves can help relieve pain, irritation, and inflammation caused by a burnt tongue.

Peppermint has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties. It can also help neutralize acidity in the mouth, stimulate saliva production, and reduce the burning sensation.

You can also make peppermint tea, swish it around your mouth, and spit it out afterward.

What to do to speed up recovery

During recovery or while symptoms persist, it’s best to avoid very acidic or salty foods, such as passion fruit, pineapple, chips, or olives, as these can worsen irritation and delay healing.

Possible causes

A burnt tongue is caused by consuming foods or drinks that are too hot, leading to irritation or inflammation of the tongue’s surface or deeper layers.

Inhaling very hot steam can also cause tongue burns.

It’s important to determine the degree of the bur, whether it’s superficial (first-degree) or deeper (second- or third-degree), to ensure proper treatment.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor or go to the emergency room if symptoms don’t improve, if pain is severe, or if there are visible sores or open wounds on the tongue. These may indicate a more serious burn that requires medical care.