Home Remedy for a Burned Tongue

There are few things as frustrating and as painful as accidentally burning your tongue on hot food or a hot beverage. In most cases, the best you can do is reduce the pain and avoid additional injury to the burn while you let it heal--and there are a few quick and easy solutions that can help take some heat out of that burn.

Ice

Although ice alone will not heal a burned tongue, it can provide some relief from the burning sensation, as well as reduce the swelling of a serious burn. If possible, keep an ice cube or ice chips handy and suck on them throughout the day, as needed, to control the worst of the immediate post-burn pain.

Avoid Spicy or Rough Foods

Sometimes you just have to let time heal the burn. A way to help it heal faster is to avoid eating acidic foods that will irritate your tongue--including things such as coffee, citrus fruits and tomato-based products. Avoid the hotter hot peppers, as well. Steer clear of rough-textured foods, such as thick tortilla chips, because these will poke at the healing skin inside your mouth.

Throat Spray

If you don't have the time to sit around and let ice melt or eat ice pops and you need some quick relief from a burned tongue, consider using sore throat spray. The spray contains anesthetics that will numb the area and reduce the burning sensation for a short time.

Sugar, Honey & Tea

There is some evidence that sugar, honey or some teas (e.g., orange pekoe) can have a soothing effect on the nerves of the tongue, thus reducing the pain associated with a tongue burn. Although these items will not heal the burn, they may provide some relief from the pain.