“Eat it while it’s hot!”
People often hear this. There certainly is some wisdom in eating food once it is freshly cooked. The ingredients are quite fresh and newly prepared. In addition, the flavour fades away as the dish cools down.
While eating hot food has many additional benefits, there are boundaries. If the food is too hot, it can scald the tongue or the roof of the mouth. But what temperature would this be at?
Let’s look at what temperature food needs to be to make a tongue burn.
The Benefits of a Hot Meal
A burnt tongue is nothing to scoff at. It is a painful nuisance that many people are better off without. If it is so bad, though, why do people proverbially “play with fire” and enjoy hot meals? Let’s take a look at some of their benefits.
Better Taste
The first and most apparent benefit is the taste. This goes way beyond just subjective experience, though. Researchers have studied this, uncovering why heat makes food taste better.
People’s taste is based on receptors. Our receptors pick up different kinds of tastes, such as sweet and sour.
Researchers found that the warmer the food, the more intense the signal is sent to the brain. Thus, the flavour people experience is enhanced.
Improved Digestion
Another benefit of eating hot food is that it helps with digestion. This was traditionally believed to be the case, but science has since backed it up.
The act of mastication or chewing breaks down food. It then enters the stomach, where digestive juices further break it down.
These juices are partially responsible for ensuring people get the nutrients they need from their food. If the food is cold, these juices must work much harder to break it down.
More Nutrition
Closely related to improved digestion is that hot food helps people absorb more nutrients.
As stated previously, when people eat cold food, their bodies have to work harder to break it down and extract the nutrients. This isn’t as big of an issue with hot food.
Digestive juices are more effective than other processes, like absorption. Bear in mind, though, that this does not cover all types of food.
This means that people get more out of their meals when they’re served hot.
What Temperature is Too Hot?
Now that we have gone over the benefits of hot meals, it’s time to address the question at hand. At what temperature does food burn a tongue?
We can work with general ranges. Any food or beverage that reaches about 43 °C is already hot enough to burn people’s tongues, but at this range, it is merely a superficial burn.
If the food or beverage reaches over 70 °C, then this will instantly burn your tongue.
Understanding Tongue Burns
When people experience a burnt tongue sensation, it can lead to various discomforts and temporary changes in its functionality. The burn damages the delicate papillae, the small bumps on the tongue’s surface that contain taste buds. This damage can result in heightened sensitivity, making even mildly spicy or acidic foods feel overwhelmingly hot and irritating.
Additionally, if the burn is severe, it may cause swelling, which can affect the ability to taste and lead to a loss of taste. In some cases, a burnt tongue can also affect the roof of your mouth, further contributing to discomfort.
As the tongue heals, individuals may notice a condition known as “geographic tongue,” where the papillae become irregularly shaped, creating a map-like appearance on the tongue’s surface. Fortunately, with time and proper care, the taste buds and papillae can regenerate, and the sense of taste gradually returns to normal.
Experiencing the burnt tongue sensation can be a temporary setback to your sense of taste and overall enjoyment of food. However, the body’s remarkable ability to heal allows for restoring the damaged papillae and taste buds over time. While waiting for the healing process to take its course, it’s best to avoid spicy foods and hot drinks.
Burnt Tongue Sensation Symptoms
Never had a tongue burn before, and aren’t sure whether you are currently experiencing one? Don’t worry. Check out this list of symptoms to see if your tongue has been burned.
Pain and Swelling
This is the most common symptom associated with a burnt tongue. It can be a sharp or throbbing pain.
The tongue will also start to swell. This is caused by the injury to the tongue’s tissue. This symptom means that the burns have only reached the outer layer of the tongue. It is a case of a first-degree burn.
Blisters Forming
If blisters start forming on the tongue, then the tongue has reached a second-degree burn.
Not only is there pain and swelling but there is also damage done to the tongue’s tissue. In some cases, the tongue might even start to bleed.
White or Blackened Tongue
In more severe cases, the tongue might turn white or black. This is a third-degree burn, which means that damage has been done to not only the tongue’s tissue but also to the muscles and nerves found in it.
This is a severe case, and people with this symptom should go to the hospital immediately.
Remedies for a Tongue Burn
Simple and effective home remedies can aid in the healing process and promote overall wellness. Here are some tips to treat a tongue burn:
Cool Water, Ice Chips, Popsicles, and More
The first and immediate step in treating a tongue burn is to rinse your mouth with cold water. The cool temperature creates a comforting sensation and acts as a protective barrier, guarding your tongue against further irritants.
You can also try rinsing your mouth with soothing salt water or consuming fabulous, soft foods like applesauce. If you’re looking for relief, mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and use it as a gentle mouth rinse.
Cold Compress Application
Applying a cold compress to the affected area can be beneficial for persistent pain. Avoid placing ice directly on the tongue, as it may cause further damage to the tissue. Instead, wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth and gently press it against the tongue for about 10 minutes. You can repeat this process every hour or as needed.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
In cases of severe pain where anesthetics aren’t readily available, over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be helpful. However, it is essential to avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding in the affected area.
How Long Does a Burned Tongue Take to Heal?
The healing of a burnt tongue depends on the severity of the burn, which can be measured by the intensity or degree of the burnt tongue sensation.
Lighter tongue burns can heal as fast as a week or two. However, as the severity grows, the healing time also extends. Very severe burnt tongues can take up to six weeks to heal fully with the help of specific medical treatments.
If your tongue has been burned, it is always best to seek advice from a professional. The guidance and direction a doctor provides will help speed up the process.
Foods that are Better Eaten Cold
While some might say that all food is best served hot, some beg to differ. Let’s take a look at what type of food is an exception to the rule:
- Salad
- Seafood
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Dairy Products
- Eggs
- Cake and Pastry
- Soups
As you can see, a wide variety of food people commonly eat cold. The next logical question would be, why?
The Benefits of a Cold Meal
Many people might not believe it, but some foods actually have more nutrients when eaten cold. The reason for this is that in some foods, like vegetables and fruits, heat can actually destroy some of the nutrients found.
For example, vitamin C is a nutrient known for being easily destroyed by heat. This means that foods high in this vitamin are best-eaten cold.
Apart from that, certain nutrients are absorbed better this way. One example is beta-carotene in carrots. It is a type of nutrient that is better absorbed by the body when the food is cold.
The Mysterious Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a perplexing and chronic condition characterised by a persistent and unexplained burning sensation on the tongue, lips, palate, or throughout the mouth. It feels as though the tongue feels burned but isn’t.
Individuals affected by this condition may experience varying degrees of discomfort, ranging from mild irritation to intense burning feeling, even though there may be no apparent visible abnormalities or underlying medical causes. The sensation can persist for weeks, months, or even longer, leading to frustration, chronic pain, and a negative impact on the individual’s quality of life.
The Causes of BMS
Primary BMS Causes
Several causes of BMS are grouped as either primary or secondary.
Primary burning mouth syndrome is one where the cause is unexplainable either via lab tests or through any other possible existing medical condition. The only theory doctors have about the primary BMS type is that it could damage the nerves, which affects taste and pain.
Secondary BMS Causes
If the cause can be inferred from other underlying conditions or factors, then this is considered secondary BMS. For this type, there are many possible causes, and a person’s medical history will undoubtedly come in handy.
The possible causes include:
-
acid reflux
-
a yeast infection in the mouth or thrush
-
hormonal changes due to thyroid diseases
-
menopause or postmenopausal changes
-
allergic reactions to dentures
-
dry mouth from health conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome
-
nutritional deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid
-
medications for high blood pressure
Is there a cure for BMS?
While no definitive cure has been found, maintaining excellent oral hygiene remains crucial for individuals grappling with this elusive condition. Gentle toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent further irritation and discomfort. Ensuring dentures fit correctly and practicing meticulous care for oral appliances can also play a vital role in managing BMS-related symptoms.
Regular dental check-ups and consultations are essential in monitoring oral health and identifying any potential triggers or underlying factors contributing to the burning sensation. Dentists may recommend specific mouthwashes or therapies to alleviate discomfort and maintain oral health during the course of treatment.
Alternative BMS Treatments
If the discomfort is too much, there are many possible alternative treatments people can turn to. For starters, the main cause should be rooted out. Your doctor may send you to an oral medicine expert. Depending on the cause, the alternative treatments also vary.
For a lack of nutrients and vitamins, supplements are the go-to. For depression, antidepressants should be taken. Allergy tests should be taken to cross out any possible denture allergies.
For pain, things like clonazepam and capsaicin help with the burning feeling. Furthermore, treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and alpha lipoic acid are found to have been effective for pain management.
Save Yourself the Inconvenience
We hope that all this information we’ve provided will give you a better appreciation of both hot and cold foods.
The burnt tongue sensation in particular increases in pain the higher the temperature is. Save yourself the inconvenience and always be wary of foods that are too hot.
Understanding and using this information is a good way to look out for your health and that of your loved ones. With health being as important as it is, ensures that you can safeguard everyone’s health with the right first aid practices.
Learn more through CPR First Aid’s Liverpool course today. From a first aid course, a CPR refresher course, childcare first aid courses and more, CPRFA offers various courses that will no doubt benefit you.