Burns in roof of mouth

A hot-food burn on the hard or soft palate can cause soreness, redness, or a tender peeling surface that usually improves as the tissue repairs.

The roof of the mouth contains keratinized mucosa over the palate, and heat can injure its surface layer.

Cool the mouth with water, choose soft lukewarm foods, and avoid spicy, acidic, sharp, or very hot items until it settles.

Seek examination for spreading swelling, pus, fever, persistent ulceration, or a sore that does not improve.

Ask whether the area is a thermal injury or another lesion and whether a dental or medical examination is needed.