What to Do If You Burn Your Tongue

In some cases, emergency medical help may be necessary.

You can suffer a thermal burn on your tongue by consuming very hot food or drinks, while chemical burns occur due to exposure to harmful substances, either accidentally or intentionally. Medical intervention depends on the burn's severity and type.

Symptoms of a Thermal Tongue Burn

If someone misjudges the temperature of a beverage and takes a sip, they may experience a thermal burn. Symptoms vary based on the burn's degree, which is classified into three levels:

• First degree: Only the surface layer of the tongue and mouth tissues is affected, causing redness, swelling, and a burning or aching sensation.
• Second degree: More severe, characterized by blister formation and intense pain.
• Third degree: Deep tissue damage occurs, potentially causing the tongue to blacken, whiten, or char. This stage is accompanied by numbness and excruciating pain.

Regardless of the degree, taste buds are damaged, which may lead to a temporary loss of taste sensation.

Signs of Chemical Tongue Burns

Chemical burns often result from contact with acids, alkalis, or concentrated cleaning agents containing strong irritants. Common hazardous substances include acetic acid (vinegar essence), ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide.

When ingested, these chemicals damage the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and respiratory tract, and may cause poisoning due to absorption of chemical ions. Symptoms can include:

• Pain and burning in the tongue, palate, throat, chest, and abdomen;
• Formation of crusts on mucous membranes, typical of acid burns;
• Swelling and softening of oral tissues, which may disintegrate in alkali burns;
• Vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Headache;
• Loss of consciousness;
• Drop in blood pressure;
• Irregular heartbeat.

Without prompt medical care, chemical burns can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys and may be fatal.

Immediate Actions After Burning Your Tongue

Response depends on the burn's cause and severity. If a chemical substance is ingested, call emergency services immediately. Do not induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize the chemical yourself, as this can worsen the injury.

For second- or third-degree thermal burns, urgent medical evaluation is essential. Self-treatment is risky. First-degree burns can often be managed at home, but avoid consuming warm or hot beverages until the mucous membrane heals.

Home Care Tips

Healthline experts recommend the following for first-degree thermal tongue burns:

• Drink cold water or rinse your mouth for several minutes.
• Suck on ice chips or popsicles to soothe the burn.
• Dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
• Apply a few granules of sugar or lick honey to ease discomfort.

Medical Treatment Procedures

Patients with chemical burns admitted to the hospital typically undergo gastric lavage via a tube to rapidly remove residual chemicals. Subsequent treatments depend on the injury's severity and the extent of digestive tract damage. Medical interventions may include:

• Administering intravenous fluids with medications to detoxify the body and stabilize pH levels;
• Providing pain relief, sometimes including narcotic medications;
• Supplying oxygen therapy, and in severe cases affecting the larynx and airways, mechanical ventilation support.

For severe thermal burns, doctors may prescribe strong analgesics and intravenous fluids to maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance.

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