Fresh water, ice cubes, appropriate diet… Certain actions can really make a difference in the minutes following the accident. Conversely, other habits risk prolonging the irritation.
A second of inattention, and the palate can become very painful
We all know this scene: we’re hungry, we’re in a hurry, the coffee has just been served or the pizza has barely come out of the oven. We still taste it. And it only takes one bite to regret it.
The heat then damages the particularly sensitive mucous membrane which covers the palate. The pain can be immediate, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation that persists long after putting the plate down.
The good news is that, in most cases, this injury remains superficial. “The burn on the palate is usually benign and heals spontaneously within a few days“, reassures Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
But that doesn’t mean you should just wait. The first steps help limit discomfort and avoid re-irritating the area.
The first reflex: quickly cool the burned area
After a bite that’s too hot, the reflex is sometimes to immediately drink something. You still have to choose the right temperature.
The objective is to gently cool the tissues without causing thermal shock. “Rinse your mouth with cool water (avoid ice water) or melt an ice cube or ice chips in your mouth to soothe the pain.”he recommends.
A salt water rinse may also provide relief.
“A
mouthwash salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) can help soothe the pain”.
These first steps are particularly useful in the hours following the burn, when the mucous membrane remains very sensitive.
For a few days, it is better to forget certain foods
Once the burn has passed, another difficulty appears during the healing phase: eating without waking up the pain.
The mucous membrane must have time to repair itself. To avoid maintaining irritation, it is therefore better to temporarily favor foods that are easy to eat and not very aggressive.
“Eat cold, soft foods such as yogurt, ice cream, smoothies or compotes“, recommends the healthcare professional.
Conversely, certain foods can turn a small burn into a real ordeal at every meal. “Avoid hot, spicy, acidic or crunchy foods that could irritate the burned area.”
Crispy pizza, very hot dishes, spicy or particularly acidic foods can therefore wait a few days, until the mucous membrane returns to its usual state.
When does a simple burn merit medical advice?
Most palate burns heal without special treatment. But not all are the same. A deeper burn can cause erosions or ulcers and reach deeper tissues.
“Thermal burns to the mouth can cause erosions or ulcers on the roof of the mouth or tongue.explains the doctor.
In the most severe situations, the consequences can be more significant. “A very severe burn (3rd degree) can damage the nerves, leading to loss of painful sensation in the palate“.
Certain symptoms should therefore prompt you to seek medical advice rather than simply waiting for the pain to disappear.
“Consult if the burn is very painful (suspected 2nd or 3rd degree), if the pain persists for more than a few days. Or, in the event of signs of infection (fever, significant swelling, pus), you should quickly seek the advice of a doctor or dentist as well.” insists the practitioner.
To relieve pain, paracetamol may be used, while certain oral gels containing a local anesthetic may also help to temporarily reduce discomfort.
The best tip is ultimately not to burn yourself.
A palate burn is often accidental. It occurs precisely because we underestimate the heat of a food or drink.
However, a few seconds of patience can prevent several days of discomfort. “Wait for your hot foods and drinks (coffee, tea, soup, pizza) to cool before consuming them.reminds the doctor.
And there’s no need to take a big bite to check: it’s better to carefully test the temperature. “Check their temperature: blow on your spoon or taste a small amount before ingesting a full mouthful.
A particularly important precaution with foods where heat remains trapped inside, even when their surface appears cooler. “And above all, be particularly careful with foods coming out of the oven or microwave that retain heat” concludes the expert.
Because after one bite of pizza or one too many sips of coffee, a few seconds of waiting is often better than several days of dreading every meal.