What Is It?
Your pizza arrives, you're hungry and it smells so good. You take out that first piece, dripping with cheese, take a big bite … and burn the roof of your mouth. Now you have pizza palate.
Other hot foods and liquids also can burn the roof (palate) of your mouth. These types of burns have come to be called "pizza palate" because they are most commonly caused by pizza.
These burns usually are minor and heal within a few days.
Symptoms
The roof of your mouth will be tender. In some cases, it will blister. The affected area probably will feel raw and slightly swollen.
Diagnosis
This is pretty simple. Have you eaten hot pizza, overly hot food or liquid in the last few days? Does the roof of your mouth hurt?
Your dentist will notice that the roof of your mouth is reddened and possibly blistered. Whitish areas may appear as it heals.
Expected Duration
These types of burns usually heal in three to seven days, depending on how severe they are.
Prevention
Make sure your food or drink isn't too hot before you take a bite or a sip. Be especially careful with food or liquids heated in a microwave. They may be hotter than you expect.
Treatment
The condition should improve within a week, often sooner. Meanwhile, stick to soft foods and cool liquids. Avoid hard, crusty foods that can further irritate your mouth. And stay away from hot pizza!
Warm salt water rinses after meals will help keep the area clean. To make the rinse, dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics may relieve pain from eating in severe cases.
When To Call a Professional
If the soreness and blistering persist beyond seven days, call your dentist.
Prognosis
Excellent, if wounds are cared for properly.
2/28/13
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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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