ELECTRICAL BURNS OF THE ORAL CAVITY (REVIEW)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35220/2523-420X/2025.2.26Keywords:
electrical trauma, oral electrical burns, conservative and surgical treatment, recovery.Abstract
Problem statement. Electrical burns are a fairly rare variant of damage to the oral cavity organs, but their complications are accompanied by a significant deterioration in the quality of life and persistent disability. This problem is practically not covered in modern available domestic sources. Purpose of the study. To highlight the main etiological, diagnostic and therapeutic features of electrical burns of the oral cavity. Materials and methods of the study. Obtaining scientific literature information was performed using the information search systems Scopus, CrossRef, Google Scholar and PubMed. Results and their discussion. Worldwide, electrical burns of the oral cavity account for 2.2% of electrical injuries and only 0.12% of all burns; usually occur in infants who are teething; mostly observed in children due to biting, chewing or sucking electrical conductors and other elements of electrical appliances. Severe cases with hospitalization and surgical treatment are rare. Despitetheir rarity, treatment and long-term rehabilitation make these injuries an important problem in burn care.In severe cases, damage extends to the gums, alveolar process of the chin, oral mucosa and tongue. Early surgery is characterized by an aggressive approach to nonviable or questionable tissue; another tactic is to wait until the extent of the damage is fully determined with subsequent planning of the optimal treatment option. The purpose of oral commissure splinting is to provide a counterforce to the tendency for wound contracture in order to reduce scarring, maintain function, and reduce the need for reconstructive surgery.An important role in preventing a negative functional outcome is played by attention to the rehabilitation of swallowing and speech, and the prevention of all possible consequences depending on the damage to the dental structures. A thorough interdisciplinary approach is important, which is carried out with the participation of an maxillofacial surgeon and a speech therapist. Conclusions. Oral electrical burns are a specific problem in modern pediatric dentistry, and the right diagnostic and treatment option will reduce the possibility of developing long-term complications and disability.
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