For many people, long summer days mean lounging in the back yard enjoying barbecue and other grilled favorites. But those hot foods have a few caveats that can occur when we’re not careful. One of those is a burnt mouth – ouch!
It can be difficult to predict when, as Goldilocks famously said, the temperature of our food is “just right” for consumption. Even when you’re sure your soup has cooled enough, it can sometimes take you by surprise, leaving you with a burnt tongue for a few days. But what can you really do once you’ve burned your tongue? After all, you can’t just wrap a bandage on it and call it a day. Thankfully, the mouth heals faster than the rest of the body, thanks to two master proteins that aid in healing and are only present in the mouth. But while those proteins do their job, here are a few things you can do to keep your mouth wound clean and aid in the healing process.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
We know, we know. You already know to keep your mouth clean. Brushing twice a day, flossing – it’s not exactly breaking news. But all that work keeping your oral hygiene up to speed can help speed up your mouth’s natural healing process, too!
Gargle
Yes, the term “salt in a wound” means something painful, but believe it or not, gargling warm salt water can actually feel quite soothing, in addition to cleansing out the burnt or cut area in your mouth.
Afraid of salt? Using warm water or non-alcoholic mouthwash can have the same soothing and healing effect.
Whatever You Do, DO NOT …
If you have a mouth wound, don’t use topical antibiotics or ointments meant for outside the mouth and body, as these can be poisonous. If you have a cut or burn that is so severe you feel it warrants medication, please call Dr. Abelar’s office for an appointment to be evaluated. There may be products he can recommend to help.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Abelar, please call 858-523-1400.
