How to quickly recover from a tongue scalded by boiling water

Jul 07, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, while drinking boiled water, I wasn't paying attention and got scalded. I would like to ask the doctor, how can I recover quickly if my tongue is scalded by hot water?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao

If your tongue is scalded, you should take the following emergency measures:

1. Rinse with cold water: Immediately rinse your mouth gently with cooled boiled water or ice water to help lower the temperature of the tongue and alleviate pain.

2. Cold compress: Wrap an ice cube or ice pack in a clean cloth and apply it gently to the cheek to indirectly relieve tongue swelling and pain. Avoid direct contact between the ice and tongue to prevent frostbite.

3. Mouth rinse: Use a mouth rinse containing anesthetic ingredients, such as oral medication with diphenhydramine, to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.

4. Soft food: Choose cold, soft foods to avoid irritating the scalded area, such as ice cream or yogurt.

5. Avoid irritants: Try to avoid acidic, spicy, or hot foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco, which may irritate the wound and delay healing.

6. Maintain oral hygiene: Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the painful area, and use a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash.

7. Monitor symptoms: If the pain persists, or if blisters, ulcers, or signs of infection develop, seek medical attention promptly.

8. Supplement vitamins: Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin B, such as whole wheat bread, eggs, lean meat, and leafy green vegetables, which are beneficial for oral tissue repair.

Mild burns usually heal on their own within a few days. If the pain is severe or affects eating and speaking, consult a doctor as soon as possible.