Electrical injuries are a menace to humankind. They can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone. Though we often think of electrical injuries as something that happens to construction workers or electricians, the reality is that anyone can be injured by electricity. In this blog post, we will explore electrical injuries of the oral cavity. From dental fillings to pacemakers, read on to learn more about the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe.
What are Electrical Injuries To The Mouth?
There are many types of electrical injuries that can occur to the mouth. The most common type of electrical injury is a burn. This can happen when someone bites into an electrical wire, or when they put their mouth on an electrically charged object. Other types of electrical injuries include:
-Tissue damage: This can happen when electricity passes through the tissue of the mouth, causing it to break down.
-Nerve damage: This can happen when the electricity damages the nerves in the mouth. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected area.
-Muscle damage: This can happen when the electricity damages the muscles in the mouth. This can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected muscle.
-Bone damage: This can happen when the electricity damages the bones in the mouth. This can cause fractures or breaks in the affected bone.
How do Electrical Burns To The Mouth Occur In Toddlers & Children?
There are many ways that electrical burns to the mouth can occur in toddlers and children. Typically, these injuries happen when a child puts a metal object in their mouth that is electrically charged. This can happen if the child bites an electrical cord, or if they put a metal object into an outlet. If the current from the electrical charge is strong enough, it can cause burns to the mouth and throat. These burns can be severe and require hospitalization – but they should be checked as they may only be the visibly surface of much worse burns inside the body. As we head into the festive season, electrical injuries and dangers around Christmas time are even more prevalent because of all the Christmas tree lights and decorations, plus of course, more children are around.
Is Fatal Shock a Risk Factor?
It is well known that electrical injuries can cause death. However, it is not always clear whether fatal shock is a risk factor in these cases. In order to determine whether fatal shock is a risk factor, one must first understand what factors contribute to death from electrical injuries.
There are three primary mechanisms of death from electrical injuries: thermal injury, ventricular fibrillation, and asphyxiation. Thermal injury occurs when electricity causes tissue damage through burns. This can occur externally, internally, or both. Ventricular fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that can be caused by an electrical shock. If this happens, the heart cannot pump blood effectively and the victim will quickly lose consciousness and die. Asphyxiation occurs when electrical current interferes with the body’s ability to breathe. This can happen if the current paralyzes the muscles used for breathing or if it causes the chest cavity to contract, making it difficult to expand the lungs.
Fatalities from electrical injuries are most often due to ventricular fibrillation or asphyxiation. In some cases, thermal injury may also play a role. Fatalities due to ventricular fibrillation tend to occur more quickly than those due to asphyxiation, but both can be deadly if untreated.
Fatal shock is a risk factor for all three mechanisms of death from electrical injuries. Thermal injuries are more likely to be fatal if they cause internal damage, such as burns to vital organs.
Are Mouth Burns Indicative of Brain, Heart or Other Organs Having Been Damaged?
Mouth burns can very much be indicative of brain, heart or other organs having been damaged. Besides being very painful they require urgent medical attention because it’s rarely obvious that the brain, lungs, heart or other vital organs have been burnt by the shock. If your child has suffered a mouth burn, it’s simply not enough to rinse the area with cool water and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Seek medical attention urgently, regardless of whether the pain is severe or not.
As excellent as emergency dentists are, mouth burns from electrical sources are so serious – it’s an emergency for a hospital not a dentist – take your child to the emergency department of your nearest hospital immediately.
How Can Our Homes Be Made Safer From Electrical Dangers?
It is estimated that each year there are approximately 4,000 electrical injuries to the oral cavity. Of these, a large majority (70-80%) are work-related. The most common type of electrical injury to the oral cavity is an arc burn. This occurs when an electric current jumps or arcs from one conductor to another, causing a brief but intense burst of heat. Arc burns can occur when two live wires come into contact with each other, or when a live wire comes into contact with a grounded object.
Most arc burns to the oral cavity are relatively small and cause only minor tissue damage. However, larger arc burns can be very serious, often resulting in extensive tissue damage and even death. In addition to arc burns, other types of electrical injuries to the oral cavity can include thermal burns (caused by contact with overheated electrical equipment), electric shock (which can cause respiratory or cardiac arrest), and electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure (which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer).
There are a number of steps that can be taken to make our homes safer from electrical dangers. First, it is important to have any electrical work done by a licensed professional. Second, all electrical equipment should be properly maintained and regularly inspected for signs of wear or damage. Third, Homes should have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Fourth, homes should have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) installed in areas where water and electricity are present .
Is It Wise To Have an Electrician Check Your House and Its Wiring?
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring. On one hand, electricians are trained professionals who can spot potential problems that the average person might miss. On the other hand, electricians can be expensive, and in some cases, it may be possible to troubleshoot electrical issues yourself.
If you’re unsure about whether or not to hire an electrician, consider the following factors:
The age of your home: If your home is relatively new, it’s less likely that there will be major issues with the wiring. However, if your home is older, it’s a good idea to have an electrician take a look at the wiring to make sure it’s up to code and in good condition.
The condition of your outlets: If you notice that your outlets are loose, discolored, or sparking, this could be a sign of a bigger problem. An electrician can inspect the outlets and determine if they need to be replaced or if there’s a more serious issue with the wiring.
Your family’s electrical needs: If you have young children or elderly family members living in your home, it’s important to make sure the wiring is safe. An electrician can check for any potential hazards and make recommendations for updating the wiring if necessary.