Tongue Burns: Healing, Taste Loss, and Recovery

Tongue and sublingual burns issues?

Hello doctor, I burned my tongue and the area under my tongue one night about a day ago.
The burn is located in the anterior part of my oral cavity.
After seeing a doctor the next evening, I was informed that my tongue has a second-degree burn.
There are no blisters under my tongue, so I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and an oral ointment.
Today, the sharp pain in my tongue has subsided, but when I eat, it feels slippery, and I have lost my sense of taste.
Will my taste return? Additionally, the area under my tongue started to turn white the day after the burn, and today the area has increased in size and become whiter.
This afternoon, I noticed that part of the white area on the left side has disappeared, and it looks like a piece of tissue has come off.
Is this situation normal? Is it serious?

Lin S, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/23

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

The tongue has a second-degree burn, with no blisters under the tongue, but the papillae on the tongue may have been damaged, leading to impaired taste sensation.
However, as long as oral hygiene is maintained and secondary infection is prevented, the papillae will regenerate, and taste sensation will return.
The sublingual burn became inflamed and gradually expanded the following day, but it was later observed that the white areas sloughed off, which is likely damaged mucosal tissue on the surface of the tongue.
Nevertheless, new mucosal tissue will regenerate to repair the damaged areas.

Reply Date: 2016/03/23

More Info

Burns to the tongue, particularly those classified as second-degree burns, can be quite painful and may lead to complications such as loss of taste and changes in the appearance of the tongue. In your case, it sounds like you have experienced a significant injury, and it's understandable to have concerns about the healing process and the potential for taste recovery.

First, let's discuss the healing process. Second-degree burns typically involve damage to the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and part of the underlying layer (dermis). This type of burn can cause pain, swelling, and redness, and it may also result in blisters. In your situation, since there are no blisters present on the underside of your tongue, it suggests that the burn is indeed less severe than it could have been. The fact that you are no longer experiencing sharp pain is a positive sign that healing is underway.

Regarding the sensation of a "slippery" feeling when eating, this could be due to the healing process itself. As the tissues regenerate, they may feel different than usual. The loss of taste is also a common issue following burns to the tongue. Taste buds can be damaged by heat, and while they often regenerate, the timeline can vary significantly from person to person. In many cases, taste sensation can return within a few weeks, but it may take longer depending on the severity of the injury and individual healing factors.

Now, concerning the white patches you are observing on your tongue, this could be a sign of several things. After a burn, it is not uncommon for the affected area to appear white due to the formation of a protective layer of dead tissue (eschar) or due to inflammation. However, if the white areas are increasing in size and you notice that parts of it are sloughing off, it could indicate that the tissue is healing and regenerating, which is a normal part of the recovery process. That said, if you are experiencing significant changes in the appearance of your tongue, such as increased whiteness or the sensation of tissue loss, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They can assess whether this is a normal part of healing or if there are signs of infection or other complications.

In terms of treatment, continuing to follow your doctor's advice is essential. The anti-inflammatory medication and topical ointments prescribed are likely aimed at reducing inflammation and promoting healing. You should also avoid irritants such as spicy or acidic foods, which can exacerbate discomfort and hinder the healing process.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop new symptoms such as fever, increased pain, or signs of infection (such as pus or increased redness), it would be advisable to seek further medical evaluation. A visit to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a gastroenterologist may be warranted if you have ongoing concerns about your swallowing or if you suspect that the burn may have affected deeper structures.

In summary, while the healing process can be uncomfortable and may involve temporary loss of taste, many individuals do recover fully over time. Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining communication with your healthcare provider will be key to ensuring a smooth recovery.

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