Locations:
Search IconSearch

What To Do When You Burn the Roof of Your Mouth

Get quick relief with ice chips, popsicles, milk and saltwater

Person drinking glass of ice water through straw.

Piping hot pizza. A steaming cup of espresso. Some things are too good to resist — but these hot treats can also unleash some serious pain when they burn the roof of your mouth.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Ouch! The damage may be done, but can you get some relief from that burn? Otolaryngologist Micah Timen, MD, offers his expert advice.

Should I be worried about a mouth burn?

The roof of your mouth, or palate, includes the ridgy, hard palate in the front and the smooth soft palate in the back. And when you burn any part of your palate, you definitely know it. Unlike burning mouth syndrome, a burn on the roof of your mouth will occur right after you eat or drink something hot.

“Your palate is covered in a layer of soft tissue that contains a network of nerves that are sensitive to hot foods and drinks,” explains Dr. Timen. “A burn in your mouth can be painful but usually heals quite well on its own.”

Home remedies for a burn on the roof of your mouth

After a burn, the scorched area may be sensitive, tender and painful. These remedies can help you feel better while your mouth recovers from the mishap:

Cold water or ice

First order of business: Cool down your mouth. It will provide some quick relief and may help minimize the damage.

“Swishing cold water in your mouth feels good and is a safe way to stop the burning right away,” advises Dr. Timen. “You can also put a spoonful of ice chips in your mouth. Use small amounts at a time, or else the ice could stick to the roof of your mouth.”

Popsicles

Who says a popsicle is only for a hot day? Popsicles are great for a hot mouth, too. “Any type of frozen treat will have the same cooling effect as cold water or ice,” Dr. Timen says.

Advertisement

Saltwater rinse

Your may have learned to swish warm saltwater to relieve the pain of a canker sore — and this age-old remedy may also help with other mouth sores and injuries, including a burn.

“Salt has a drying effect on tissues, which could help them heal a little sooner,” Dr. Timen says. “We don’t have any studies proving that saltwater helps with mouth burns, but it doesn’t hurt to try it.”

To make a saltwater rinse, add a half teaspoon of salt into a half cup of warm water. Mix it up, swish it for 30 seconds and spit it out.

Milk

Swishing some cold milk in your mouth is a remedy worth trying, as long as you’re not allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant.

“Some people find that drinking milk cools their mouth down after eating spicy foods,” Dr. Timen notes. “It’s also a popular home remedy for sunburn, so it might help with a mouth burn, too.”

Peroxide and water rinse

Diluted hydrogen peroxide is another good go-to for a burned mouth.

“Peroxide calms minor irritation and kills germs,” explains Dr. Timen. “If your mouth still hurts after using cold water, diluted peroxide can provide some extra relief.”

Use this remedy only once or twice after the initial burn, as using peroxide for longer periods can damage your tooth enamel. And never use it full-strength — it’s way too strong for your mouth’s tissues and your teeth. Instead, create a mixture that is half water and half peroxide.

Mouthwash for mouth sores

If the taste of peroxide is beyond what you can handle, head to the store and look for a mouthwash designed for mouth sores. They usually contain some peroxide and flavor to make them more palatable.

“After a mouth burn, a peroxide-based mouthwash can help your tissues heal faster,” says Dr. Timen. “Follow the instructions on the package, and be sure to avoid any mouthwash that contains alcohol. Alcohol can irritate tissues in your mouth and may delay healing.”

Pain reliever

If all else fails, pick up some mouth gel that contains benzocaine.

“A product with benzocaine provides a temporary numbing effect,” Dr. Timen explains. “This is a safe option if you’re in pain and other remedies aren’t enough.”

You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Though these meds won’t help the burn heal faster, they can provide some relief if the pain is bothering you.

Avoid certain foods and drinks

Avoid things that could make the pain worse, like:

  • Acidic drinks like carbonated water (seltzer), sodacoffee and wine.
  • Foods with sharp corners, like tortilla chips.
  • Hot food or drinks.
  • Spicy foods.

When to seek medical care

Mouth burns aren’t usually an emergency, but a few situations do require professional treatment. In rare cases, drinking a hot liquid can cause epiglottitis, a serious condition that can block your airway. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

Advertisement

  • Drooling.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Inability to swallow.
  • Severe sore throat.
  • Trouble breathing.

You should also seek immediate medical care if:

  • The burn is severe.
  • Your baby or child burns their mouth.
  • You’ve burned the corners of your mouth, face or lips.

Time will heal

A burn on the roof of your mouth is a bummer, but usually, your body will do the work of healing it for you. In the meantime, use some home remedies — and maybe give a frosty treat a try.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Spoonful of oil dripping into a jar of oil
August 4, 2025/Oral Health
Is Oil Pulling Good for You?

This supposed oral health practice doesn’t have proven benefits, and it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing

Healthcare provider holding clipboard, talking to patient sitting on exam table
July 15, 2025/Primary Care
Cold Sore? Here’s How To Get Rid of It Fast

Prescription oral antivirals are your best bet, but OTC creams can help, too

Person standing at bathroom sink at home, looking in bathroom mirrow, while brushing their teeth
May 15, 2025/Oral Health
Here’s Why You Gag While Brushing Your Teeth

You might have a sensitive gag reflex — but gagging while brushing can also be a result of certain medical conditions

Person putting gum in their mouth
May 1, 2025/Oral Health
10 Tips To Relieve Your Dry Mouth

Stay hydrated, use a humidifier and try sugar-free candies or over-the-counter products with xylitol

Scruffy-looking toothbrush
April 30, 2025/Oral Health
How Often To Change Your Toothbrush

An old, worn toothbrush is a hazard to your teeth and gums and a breeding ground for germs and bacteria — replace it every three to four months at least

Person in bathroom, with jars of products on shelf, wrapping long piece of floss around fingers
November 13, 2024/Oral Health
How To Properly Floss Your Teeth

Done correctly, daily flossing can help keep your teeth and gums healthy

Person removing dental floss from container in bathroom
July 29, 2024/Oral Health
Why Do Gums Bleed When Flossing?

Bloody gums after flossing usually signal a buildup of plaque, tartar and bacteria

Smiling person with white teeth applying toothpaste to toothbrush
July 11, 2024/Oral Health
Brighten Your Smile: How To Get Whiter Teeth

A variety of products can be effective at removing stains on teeth

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad