Tag: Oral burns

Research has consistently linked the consumption of very hot food and beverages to an increased risk of esophageal cancer, especially in populations where this is a common practice. While the comforting warmth of a hot meal can be tempting, its excessive temperature poses several immediate and long-term health risks that should not be ignored. This article explores the scientific evidence behind the dangers of consuming extremely hot foods and provides practical advice on how to protect your health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regularly consuming beverages hotter than 65°C (149°F) is a probable carcinogen for esophageal cancer. So, what is the hottest temperature food you can eat safely without causing thermal damage to your mouth or throat? The answer is not a single number, but a dynamic range influenced by several physiological and physical factors.

Studies suggest that drinking very hot tea (above 140°F) can nearly double the risk of esophageal cancer over time due to thermal injury. This critical finding emphasizes that drinking tea fast, particularly at high temperatures, carries significant health risks beyond just a quick scald.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), drinking beverages hotter than 65°C (149°F) is classified as 'probably carcinogenic' to humans. This raises a critical question: what happens if we drink very hot milk? The high temperature can cause immediate thermal burns and pose significant long-term health risks.