THE EFFECT OF MICROCURRENTS GENERATED BY METALLIC INCLUSIONS ON THE ORAL MUCOSA OF ORAL CAVITY

Abstract

Given the medical and social significance of the problem of adverse effects associated with metallic inclusions in the oral cavity, intensive research is being conducted into the main mechanisms of its pathogenesis. However, the effect of galvanic currents on the oral mucosa (OM) is ambiguous and remains insufficiently elucidated. It has been proven that in 4–11% of cases, patients with metallic prostheses in the oral cavity complain of discomfort, which sometimes progresses to intolerance to dental prostheses and is most often manifested by subjective symptoms such as galvanosis, toxic stomatitis, allergic reactions to metallic inclusions, and exacerbation of general somatic diseases. The aim of this study. was to identify the dependence of the manifestation of microcurrents against the background of different types of metallic inclusions in the oral cavity and the course of somatic diseases. Material and methods. Our observation included 52 patients aged 34 to 62 years who, over a period of 4 years, sought care with complaints and symptoms that made it possible to assume the presence of intolerance to metallic inclusions in the oral cavity of electrogalvanic etiology. Among the examined patients, there were 34 women and 18 men. Intolerance to metallic inclusions in patients was established after a general clinical examination and history taking, taking into account the following subjective symptoms: burning sensation of the tongue; a “metallic” taste in the oral cavity; taste disturbances (metallic, sour, bitter, salty taste); sensation of electric current; paresthesia of the OM; changes in salivation; complaints of irritability; sleep disturbances; and deterioration of general well-being. Results and discussion. In most cases (92.3%), patients complained of a burning sensation of the OM (most often the tongue) and its dryness. In some cases, the complaints also included headache, sore throat, hoarseness, gingival bleeding, psychogenic disorders (sleep disturbances, irritability), and others. Complications and their spectrum were observed more frequently in women than in men. Pathological manifestations were constant in 16.7% of men and 35.3% of women. Other patients noted their periodicity, namely during the introduction of metallic objects into the mouth, during meals, and in the morning after sleep. Conclusions. The conducted clinical studies provide grounds to note that before prosthetic treatment, greater attention should be paid to preventive measures aimed at minimizing the risk of galvanic interactions in the oral cavity in certain categories of individuals:Patients with general somatic diseases (gastrointestinal diseases, especially those associated with increased acidity; allergic conditions; endocrine and psychogenic diseases; fungal lesions, etc.); Women aged 45–55 years in the premenopausal and menopausal periods; individuals who note discomfort upon contact with metals (at home, at work, or from personal jewellery); Patients who note discomfort in the oral cavity.