When the supply of blood to the tongue is reduced, you experience a stinging or burning sensation in your tongue, lips, and mouth. This sensation is often indicative of a burnt tongue. Sometimes, this burning sensation can also be result of some problem with the nerves that are connected to the tongue.
A burnt tongue could be the result of an injury, bad oral habits, imbalances in hormones during menopause, acid reflux, damaged nerves, medication, irritating dentures, vitamin B12 deficiency, and/or consumption of hot drinks or foods. The burning sensation is often accompanied with soreness, dryness, bitterness and loss of taste. Sometimes, it could also be a reaction to sodium lauryl sulphate which is found in toothpastes. Anxiety and depression is also known to sometimes cause a burning sensation in the mouth; this is more often experienced by women.
For immediate relief, you can suck a cube of ice or chew a wad of sugar free gum. You could also try brushing your teeth with baking soda instead of your regular commercial toothpaste. Also, make sure to buy toothpaste that is free of sodium lauryl sulphate. Applying glycerin or petroleum jelly on the tongue before retiring at night helps in relieving the burning sensation. You can also apply it during day as often as you wish. Rolling a little bit of cold butter in your mouth for some time before you swallow it will help reduce pain and heal the burn. Aloe vera gel is also helpful in healing a burnt tongue. Eat ample amounts of unflavored or unsweetened yogurt, or better still, drink plenty of butter milk to heal the burn from within; this also helps in removing toxins from the body. Onions help in increasing the rate of healing and can be included in soups, stews and salads. You can also increase your intake of fruits and green leafy vegetables as these provide the nutrients that are needed to replenish the body.
Consume more foods that are high in vitamins B and C. Sip a little cold water throughout the day and drink plenty of liquids to keep you hydrated and your tongue moistened. It is preferable to eat foods that have a cooling effect on the body, such as green vegetables and fruits like melons and apples that have a high water content.
Try to keep away from hot and spicy foods as this could worsen the problem. Avoid tobacco and smoking as it can heighten the burning sensation. Also keep away from products that you are allergic to.