fb

MENU

Does Pouring Milk on a Burnt Tongue Really Help? Here’s What Actually Works

Burning your tongue on a too-hot coffee or a bite of food is a common mishap, but knowing what to do next can make all the difference in healing. While pouring milk on a burnt tongue can help soothe and heal the tissue (thanks to its calcium and protein), it’s not the only remedy worth trying.

Best Ways to Treat a Burnt Tongue:

  • Cool It Down: Immediately rinse your mouth with cool water or suck on an ice chip to reduce heat and inflammation.
  • Saltwater Rinse: Swish a mild saltwater solution to help prevent infection and reduce swelling.
  • Milk Soothing: Yes, milk can help! It creates a coating that calms the burn and encourages healing.
  • Popsicles or Ice Chips: These ease pain and prevent blisters—just don’t chew ice.
  • Vitamin E: Applying the contents of a vitamin E capsule may accelerate healing.
  • Honey: A dab of honey can fight bacteria and promote recovery.
  • OTC Pain Relief: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
  • Topical Anesthetics: Products like Orajel provide temporary numbing.

Avoid These While Healing:

  • Alcohol-based mouthwashes
  • Spicy, acidic, or carbonated foods
  • Hard, rough foods that can irritate the burn
  • Tobacco and extremely hot beverages

When to See a Doctor: Most tongue burns, especially mild ones, heal within a week. But if your tongue is blistered, severely swollen, charred, numb, or does not improve after several days, seek medical attention. Burns involving infants, older adults, or large areas of the tongue should also be evaluated.

The 3 Most Dangerous Expired Dairy Products Hiding in Your Fridge

Dairy plays a starring role in our kitchens—from creamy morning lattes to tangy yogurt parfaits and cheese-laden dishes. But these nutrient-rich staples are also prime real estate for bacteria, especially when they’re stored improperly or kept past their expiration dates. According to Connie Elick, a registered dietician and culinary arts instructor, the safest bet is to toss expired dairy to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

1. Milk
Even though most milk is pasteurized, it still needs constant refrigeration. If it’s left out for over two hours (less in warm temps!), it can quickly turn into a bacterial breeding ground. Watch for discoloration, chunky or slimy textures, sour smells, or off flavors—clear signs it’s time to toss.

2. Yogurt
Though it’s full of probiotics, expired yogurt isn’t doing your gut any favors. Mold spots, off-color patches, and foul or musty smells are red flags. If there’s thick, slimy liquid on top, don’t risk it.

3. Soft Cheeses
High-moisture cheeses like Brie, ricotta, and cottage cheese spoil faster than harder types. Any signs of fuzz, discoloration, or a rancid smell mean it’s unsafe—even if you scrape off the mold. “Mold may have already spread throughout,” warns Elick.


Can You Eat Expired Dairy?

If it smells fine, can you still eat it? Maybe, but Elick says when in doubt, throw it out—especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals.

Dairy Storage Tips:

  • Always buy pasteurized products.
  • Keep your fridge at 39°F.
  • Freeze milk and yogurt to extend their life (though texture may change).
  • Consider powdered milk as a long-lasting alternative.

Stay safe, and keep your fridge in check!

11 Things You Need to Know Before You Get Goats

So you have a flock of chickens, an ever-expanding vegetable garden, and you are well on your way towards increasing your self-sufficiency and sustainability. But what about goats? You often see them on lists of the best “homestead animals,” and fresh, raw milk would be nice too, right? Before you start researching the nearest goat breeder and building an enclosure, there are a few things you need to consider. 

Read more