Persistent Pain and Redness After Burning the Roof of My Mouth
Last week, I accidentally scorched my hard palate with something too hot to eat. Initially, there were no signs of injury, but now I've developed noticeable red patches that weren't present previously. Eating remains quite uncomfortable; even soft foods like yogurt trigger a burning sensation that can persist for several seconds after each bite. Additionally, I experience significant pain when brushing or using water floss, particularly around the upper-left area near my teeth, which occasionally bleeds. Having had mouth burns before, I can confidently say this pain is more intense than anything I've previously experienced. Oddly enough, I notice that during some meals, the pain tends to dull slightly, possibly due to brief desensitization, but it reappears soon after. One positive change is that drinking water or milk has become less painful compared to the days immediately following the injury, but I'm still concerned as there doesn't seem to be much overall improvement. To aid my recovery, I’ve been rinsing with salt water and steering clear of spicy, hot, or acidic foods. I've read that oral burns can require a healing time of one to two weeks—and sometimes longer. However, many articles I’ve come across advise seeking dental advice about a week after the injury. So, I'm left wondering if I should continue waiting for improvement or if I should get this checked out sooner. With the current symptoms and the appearance depicted in the photo, does it seem like I'm healing as I should? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Age: 37M
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 4:33:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort from the burn on the roof of your mouth, along with some concerning symptoms like persistent pain, redness, and bleeding when brushing. While oral burns can often take time to heal, the intensity of your symptoms and their persistence are important to consider.
Explanation
Burns inside the mouth, particularly on sensitive areas like the hard palate, can take longer to heal and may lead to acute discomfort. The red patches you describe are likely a sign of inflammation, which is common in burns. While it's correct that many oral burns heal within one to two weeks, some factors can affect healing time, including the depth of the burn and the presence of secondary irritation (like brushing too hard).
Your experience of increased pain with soft foods, some desensitization during meals, and bleeding when brushing could indicate irritation and inflammation in the area. The absence of improvement after a week, along with the new symptoms, suggests a more cautious approach is necessary.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Avoid Aggravating Factors: Continue to avoid spicy, hot, and acidic foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco, which can further irritate the burn.
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Saltwater Rinses: Continue rinsing your mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) 2-3 times a day, especially after meals. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
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Oral Hygiene: Be gentle when brushing your teeth. Consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding the upper-left area until it feels less tender. You might also want to switch to a non-alcoholic mouthwash that is less irritating.
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Consider a Protective Barrier: Over-the-counter oral gels (like benzocaine products) can provide temporary relief from pain and may create a barrier that helps protect the area while it heals.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the red patches. If they worsen, you experience increased pain, or if the bleeding continues or changes in character, it would be important to take further action.
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Consult a Professional: Given your ongoing intense pain and the potential for complications, it would be advisable to consult a dentist sooner rather than later if symptoms do not improve significantly within the next few days.
It's great that you are managing your symptoms proactively. If the pain or bleeding escalates, don't hesitate to seek dental care for a thorough examination. I hope you find relief soon!
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