5 ways to get the heat out of your mouth (2024)

Dairy

THE RECORD

With all the festivals coming up starring St. Johns County's signature datil pepper, locals will have ample opportunities to taste spicy favorites like Datil Shrimp & Grits and Minorcan Clam Chowder.

The tiny datil is a flavorful pepper, but it packs a powerful punch in the heat department.

Almost everyone knows that drinking water just spreads the burning sensation, but what is the best way to take the heat out of your mouth?

Spicy foods get their heat from a substance called capsaicin, which is present in all peppers at varying levels.

A bell pepper would have very liitle capsaicin, and a habanero would have a lot. When you eat a pepper that sets your mouth on fire, the trick to cooling it down is neutralizing the capsaicin.

Here a few ways to do that:

Dairy

One of the proteins in dairy, called casein, helps neutralize capsaicin. Drinking a glass of milk will sooth the taste buds.

Alcohol

There may be a reason tequila and Mexican food go so well together. Studies have shown alcohol with more than 5 percent ethanol can neutralize capsaicin.

Sugar

Both honey and granulated sugar are effective in neutralizing a fiery mouth. Combining sugar with dairy can be very effective - think ice cream or flan.

Acid

Lime juice, tomato juice or lemon juice can help relieve the burning sensation, which is why many recipes made with peppers incorporate an acidic component.

Fatty foods

Fatty food can also bind with the capsaicin and eliminate it more quickly in the mouth. Bread and butter or french fries might be a good option if there's no milk or tequila handy.

5 ways to get the heat out of your mouth (2024)

FAQs

5 ways to get the heat out of your mouth? ›

Both honey and granulated sugar are effective in neutralizing a fiery mouth. Combining sugar with dairy can be very effective - think ice cream or flan. Lime juice, tomato juice or lemon juice can help relieve the burning sensation, which is why many recipes made with peppers incorporate an acidic component.

How can I make my mouth cool? ›

What's the Best Way to Cool the Burn?
  1. Alcohol: A cold beer seems like the perfect pairing with spicy food. ...
  2. Dairy: Again, water is a factor. ...
  3. Sparkling water with ice: The bubbles unfortunately add additional irritation to those tongue pain receptors. ...
  4. Bread: Crusty bread works better than soft, smooth bread.
Apr 8, 2022

Does ice help a spicy mouth? ›

Chewing on ice cubes may help. While the water in ice won't do squat, the cold will at least numb some of the pain, says Gulgas. Bread is better. It absorbs liquid in your mouth, which can help pull the capsaicin molecules out of the receptors in your taste buds.

What takes heat out of your mouth? ›

Both honey and granulated sugar are effective in neutralizing a fiery mouth. Combining sugar with dairy can be very effective - think ice cream or flan. Lime juice, tomato juice or lemon juice can help relieve the burning sensation, which is why many recipes made with peppers incorporate an acidic component.

Does ice help burning mouth? ›

To help ease the pain, sip a cold beverage, suck on ice chips, or chew sugarless gum. Avoid things that can irritate your mouth, such as: Tobacco.

Why is my mouth hot? ›

Allergies or reactions to foods, food flavorings, other food additives, fragrances or dyes, dental materials, or mouth care products. Reflux of stomach acid that enters your mouth from your stomach, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Certain medicines, especially high blood pressure medicines.

How can I relax my mouth? ›

Jaw Joint Stretch

Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, behind your teeth. Then use your tongue to push your top teeth forward and, while doing that, slowly open your mouth, stretching those tight jaw muscles. Stop doing this when you feel pain. You can repeat this ten times.

Does milk help spicy food? ›

Enjoy every bite by pairing your spicy dish with a refreshing glass of milk. Milk helps your mouth handle an oily chemical compound in chili peppers called capsaicin that causes the well-known burning sensation from consuming spicy foods. This relief is thanks to casein, a protein found in cow's milk.

Does co*ke help with spicy food? ›

When it comes to cooling down after eating something spicy, there are certain foods and drinks that you should avoid. For instance, carbonated drinks like soda or beer will only intensify the heat in your mouth. Some will argue that those can help, but there isn't any science behind it.

Does water help with spicy mouth? ›

Don't drink water: As we discussed earlier, water can actually make the burning sensation worse. Stick to the other drink options we mentioned, like milk, something acidic, or something sweet. Take breaks: If the heat becomes too intense, take a break and let your mouth and throat cool down before continuing.

What makes your mouth less spicy? ›

One method is to eat absorbing foods such as rice, which can help soak the capsaicin molecules from your mouth and reduce the burning sensation. Another effective remedy is to eat bread, which can help to neutralize the capsaicin molecules due to its starchy nature.

How to cool off spicy food? ›

6 Quick Ways to Tone Down a Dish That's Too Spicy
  1. Add more ingredients to dilute the spiciness. The easiest way to tone down a dish that's too spicy is to add more ingredients to lessen the proportion of the spicy element. ...
  2. Add dairy. ...
  3. Add acid. ...
  4. Add a sweetener. ...
  5. Add nut butter. ...
  6. Serve with bland, starchy foods.

What to drink after spicy food? ›

You can also consume lemonade to reduce the burning sensation in the mouth due to spicy food. This is especially beneficial for people who are allergic to milk or milk products. Lemon water is acidic, which provides instant relief from astringency.

How do you neutralize a burning mouth? ›

How can I relieve burning mouth syndrome? You may find that sucking on ice chips or chewing gum helps with the discomfort. Topical or systemic clonazepam, a prescription medication, may also relieve the pain.

Why is the inside of my mouth so hot? ›

Burning mouth syndrome usually starts suddenly, for no known reason. But certain factors may increase your risk of developing burning mouth syndrome, including: Recent illness. Some long-term medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease, autoimmune disorders and neuropathy.

How long does a burned mouth last? ›

Most burns are first-degree burns, but second- and third-degree burns can cause long-lasting nerve damage to your palate. Symptoms of these types of burns include severe pain, blistering, swelling, redness, or white patches. It can take up to a week for the skin in your mouth to heal.

Does salt calm down spicy? ›

Salt enhances the overall flavors in a dish, but it does not have the ability to counteract the heat of capsaicin. However, combining salt with other ingredients that can neutralize or balance the spice, as mentioned earlier, can help reduce perceived spiciness.

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