Suffered a Scorching Mouth? Here's Your Guide to Soothing It Instead
Burning your lips on that mouth-watering slice of pizza or scalding your tongue on that steaming cup of coffee can be a major bummer. Luckily, most food and drink burns aren't life-threatening, as per Dr. Sam Mandell, a surgeon at The UW Medicine Regional Burn Center at Harborview Medical Center.
So, what's the skinny on those hot beverages causing your pain? Prevention is key, according to Mandell. While the exact temperature can differ from person to person, generally, anything over 110 degrees Fahrenheit can leave a superficial burn, and anything 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will burn you instantly. That means most beverages served at your local café are hot enough to hurts you.
The National Coffee Association suggests brewing coffee at 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well over the burn threshold. So, if you're ordering your latte extra hot or buying drip coffee, let it cool down a bit first. Kids are particularly sensitive to hot liquids, and anything over 120 degrees Fahrenheit can scald them. So, keep an eye on those little ones and their drinks.
Mouth and tongue burns are usually mild, first-degree burns that don't affect the deeper tissue. Symptoms include redness, swelling, irritation, discomfort, and a diminished sense of taste. If you notice blisters or skin peeling, you might have a deeper second-degree burn. In that case, it's best to consult a doctor, either in-person or via telehealth.
To relieve the discomfort of a burn, drink cool water, maintain good oral hygiene, and moisten the affected area with a safe product like petroleum jelly. Avoid ice water or ice cubes, as they could stick to the burn and deepen the injury. Keep brushing and flossing as normal, and consider a gentle rinse with saline solution or a suitable mouthwash if you don't have any open sores.
Scientific research indicates that maintaining awareness about the temperature of your drinks is important for preventing burns, as beverages served at typical café temperatures can potentialy harm you. In the realm of health-and-wellness advice, it's advisable to let your hot drinks cool down before consumption, especially for children, as they are more sensitive to hot liquids. News reports often advise caution when consuming hot beverages, suggesting that they can cause first-degree burns on the mouth and tongue.
