That first bite of molten hot pizza was a searing reminder ― the roof of your mouth is particularly vulnerable to scorching.
Tender tissues, minimal fat padding, and a high density of pain receptors make this region a perfect storm for memorable misery.
Classifying Your Burn
First-degree burns, while painful, only impact the outermost layer leaving redness and mild swelling in their wake.
More severe second-degree burns blister the skin and may call for medical attention if extensive.
Third-degree burns completely destroy both upper tissue layers. Oddly, they can hurt less initially due to singed nerve endings, but carry serious risk of infection and scarring, demanding swift professional care.
Treating Mild to Moderate
Burns For run-of-the-mill pizza palette mishaps, some simple home remedies can ease the ouch:
- Suck on ice chips or a popsicle to constrict blood vessels and numb pain. Avoid crunching ice and further traumatizing the area.
- Swish with cool water or milk. The chilly liquid soothes inflammation while milk’s film-forming proteins coat and protect the wound.
- Smear on honey. This sticky salve is more than a sweet tooth satisfier ― it boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to speed healing.
- Spritz with an alcohol-free herbal mouth rinse. Chamomile, sage, and aloe help calm the sting without the burn of traditional mouthwashes.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and topical oral gels with benzocaine can provide more heavy-duty relief. Dissolving one teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of water yields an easy antibacterial rinse to stave off infection.
When to See a Doctor
Extensive blisters, increasing pain after the first day, difficulty swallowing, or signs of infection all warrant a professional opinion. Chemical or electrical burns and wounds larger than a half-inch demand immediate medical attention.
Even innocent-seeming burns that refuse to heal after 10 days might conceal a more serious issue like oral cancer. When in doubt, don’t tough it out ― seek expert guidance.
Surprising Burn Hazards
Beyond the usual suspects like scorching sips of coffee, lesser-known burn risks lurk:
- Chomping into the near-molten cheese core of stuffed crust pizza or gooey filled doughnuts
- Microwaving foods unevenly, leaving lava-like pockets amid deceivingly lukewarm sections
- Chewing piping hot pockets of steam released from dumplings or pot pies
- Slugging overheated tea steeped too long or gulping stews straight from the stovetop
Prevention Pointers
A little caution goes a long way in sidestepping searing mouth mishaps:
- Eat mindfully. Resist wolfing down food, no matter how mouthwatering it may be. Take tentative test bites.
- Slice strategically. Piercing pastries, pricking burritos, and venting pot pie crusts allows steam to escape.
- Thermometer check thick liquids. Aim for sub-140°F sippable temperatures, especially for kids.
- Beware the microwave. Stir soups and sauces halfway through, and let items stand before diving in.
Life may be too short to blow on pizza, but it’s certainly too precious to be derailed by a blistered palate.
By identifying burns swiftly, soothing them safely, and seeking help when needed, you’ll be back to savoring your slice in no time ― albeit a bit more slowly and reverently.
