October 19, 2023

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.

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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

“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:

  • 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.

Related Articles

Person lifting up their sweater, showing ostomy bag in mirror's reflection
December 6, 2023
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect

It can be hard to get used to the bags, but the freedom they provide is worth the challenge

Happy caucasian woman hiking in forest
December 6, 2023
Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits

Immersing yourself in nature can improve both your mental and physical health

Woman looking in mirror and pulling skin until wrinkles disappear
December 6, 2023
Should You Add Collagen Supplements to Your Skin Care Routine?

Though popular with influencers and celebrities, there’s little research to back up claims that they work

A vaccine syringe in front of a passport for international travel.
December 5, 2023
Which Vaccines Are Required To Travel?

Plan early — getting the right vaccines can help you stay healthy on your travels

Person overheated lying on chair on the beach; heart rythym next to him
December 5, 2023
How the Heat Can Affect Your Heart

Sizzling temperatures force your heart to work much harder

nocovaine needle entering mouth with dental mirror
December 4, 2023
How Long Does Novocaine Last?

The numbness and tingling should wear off in about two hours

bearded man sitting crosslegged holding clock in one hand, calendar in other
December 4, 2023
Are Bare Minimum Mondays Good for Your Mental Health?

Rethinking your Mondays might make the ‘Sunday scaries’ a thing of the past

A sad couple standing on each side of a large broken heart
December 4, 2023
Yes, You Can Die From a Broken Heart — But No, It’s Not Likely at All

The emotional toll of loss and other strong emotions can have life-threatening physical effects

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad