Persistent Pain and Red Marks After Mouth Burn: Seeking Advice
Last week, I accidentally burned the roof of my mouth with some excessively hot food. Initially, there were no red marks, but now I can see them clearly, and they are causing significant discomfort. Even gentle foods like yogurt cause a sharp burning sensation that lingers after I swallow. Additionally, I experience pain near the upper-left teeth when brushing, which has resulted in some bleeding as well. In my past experiences with mouth burns, I never encountered discomfort this intense. Interestingly, during meals, I’ve noticed that the pain can sometimes diminish slightly, possibly due to a form of temporary desensitization, but it always returns when I eat again. On a positive note, drinking liquids, particularly water and milk, has become somewhat less painful than it was earlier in the week. I’ve been practicing good care by rinsing with salt water and steering clear of hot, spicy, or acidic foods. While I know that healing from an oral burn can sometimes take one to two weeks, or even longer, many sources I found recommend visiting a dentist after about a week has passed. I’m unsure whether I should continue waiting for it to improve or if this situation requires a dental examination sooner. Based on the photo and the symptoms I’ve described, does it seem like it is healing as it should? I appreciate any insights you might have.
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 4:41:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a painful oral burn that's causing significant discomfort, particularly when eating or brushing your teeth. The presence of red marks, ongoing pain, and bleeding when brushing are concerning signs and indicate that your mouth is still healing and may require additional care.
Explanation:
Mouth burns can take time to heal, and the discomfort you're experiencing can sometimes be exacerbated by irritation from certain foods or mechanical actions, such as brushing. Your body is likely responding to the burn by causing inflammation, leading to sensitivity and pain, especially in affected areas. Increased sensitivity to temperature and certain textures is common during healing.
Next Steps:
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Continue Rinsing with Salt Water: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. You might try doing this 2-3 times a day, ensuring the water is warm but not hot, which could further irritate your burn.
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Avoid Irritating Foods: Keep avoiding hot, spicy, and acidic foods, as well as anything hard that could further irritate the burn. Stick to softer foods (e.g., mashed potatoes, smoothies) that are cool or room temperature to minimize discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms for another few days. If the pain persists or worsens, particularly if you develop any swelling or signs of infection (like increased redness or pus), it's important to reach out for an examination sooner.
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Dental Care: Since brushing is causing bleeding, you may want to consider switching to a softer toothbrush and being gentle while brushing to avoid further irritation. If the bleeding does not improve in a few days or if tooth pain persists, a dental examination will be warranted to check for any underlying issues, particularly if the area around your teeth is affected.
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Pain Relief: You may consider using an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with discomfort, following dosage instructions on the label. This might allow for a bit more relief when eating or drinking.
If your situation does not improve within the next few days or if you notice worrying symptoms, such as severe pain, deepening redness, persistent bleeding, or signs of infection, seeking professional care would be advisable. Your comfort and health are paramount. If you need more specific guidance, feel free to ask.
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