Minor burns to the palate caused by hot food are a common experience, especially when it comes to fast food. In fact, some people even refer to this condition as ‘pizza burn’! No matter what you may call it, the sensation of having hot food singeing the tender tissue inside your mouth is certainly unpleasant. In the worst cases, people have even managed to damage the taste buds on their tongues. Fortunately, most mouth burns are relatively mild and heal themselves in time. In addition, your saliva helps to naturally cool and heal any internal burns. There are also many home remedies that can help give you get relief from the discomfort and speed up the healing process.
Water still remains the best remedy for any burn; simply drink a lot of cool water immediately after any such incident. You can even hold the water in your mouth for some time, soothing the burn. If possible, mix some salt with water and gargle with it like in the case of a mouthwash. Sugar is another great idea; you can slowly dissolve the sugar in your mouth and enjoy its refreshing taste. For longer relief, try honey. This helps to coat the affected parts and is also a natural antiseptic. Another natural coolant is cold milk. You can drink it or rinse your mouth with it. The milk will coat the area, providing relief and some protection. In fact, you will find several things in an average kitchen that will help you. You can pop in a few cubes of ice for relief, or snack on some delicious ice-cream. If you have any bananas, scrape off the inside from the peel. The fibers from the peel contain a natural emollient that will help to soften and smooth the affected area.
While it is relatively easy to find some relief from the burning sensation, you need to allow your palate some time to recover. Make sure you do not irritate the mouth burns for a few days and avoid all manner of spicy foods, hot drinks, and citrus fruits. Try to stick to cooling drinks and meals. Staying away from hot meals for a few days will be worth it when the burning sensation finally disappears after a week or so. However, if the burnt area is still tender after a week, it may be a symptom of a more serious burn. Visit your doctor, who may prescribe topical analgesics and antiseptics.