Such a phenomenon as galvanism in the oral cavity is often observed in those people who have undergone prosthetics by means of products with metal elements. At the same time, someone feels an unpleasant bitterness, while others, on the contrary, feel salty or sour, the presence of metal seems to be the third. And this is provided that they did not consume products with similar characteristics.
At a specialist appointment, it becomes clear that these manifestations are signs of a galvanic syndrome. But what is it and why can it arise?
Galvanism in all its glory
No one will argue with the fact that the material for the manufacture of prostheses plays a huge role. It is important that he does not in any way interact with the oral cavity. However, statistics show that approximately 35 patients with metal prostheses experience certain problems regarding the quality of the material. In addition, a number of amalgam fillings, some implants, as well as orthopedic products, inserts also cause difficulties.
To understand the essence, two related concepts should be distinguished:
Under galvanism should be understood as a purely physical phenomenon. While galvanosis of the oral cavity is already the name of the disease. What exactly is galvanism?
If you do not delve deeply into the essence, then this term implies a physical process that usually proceeds in a liquid medium, resulting in the appearance of an electric current. And, as a rule, this is facilitated by the presence of metal products in the oral cavity, and these are primarily dentures, but besides them, crowns, fillings, implants should also be included here.
Meanwhile, the current, while in the liquid, is just called galvanic. It is this phenomenon that causes the appearance of galvanosis. Its appearance is due to the chemical and physical properties of those materials that go to the manufacture of prostheses.
In modern dentistry, two dozen different varieties are preferred, which include the following elements:
- zinc;
- titanium;
- iron;
- cobalt;
- silver;
- gold;
- copper.
But in the oral cavity, the flora is moist due to saliva, which plays the role of an electrolyte, which is usually characteristic of a galvanic bath. Metal elements are a kind of electrodes. As a result, low intensity currents arise.
However, their strength is sufficient for galvanism in the oral cavity to have a negative effect on the mucous membrane, which in most cases results in galvanosis. The most active in the creation of microcurrents are bimetallic combinations - gold-amalgam, amalgam-steel-solder, steel-steel-solder.
Curious moment
For the first time, galvanism was discovered by the Italian scientist Luigi Galvani. According to historical documents, he noticed this effect when he conducted various experiments with frogs. When the muscles of the prepared amphibian were touched with a steel scalpel, they contracted.
However, this observation was misinterpreted at that time. A little later, the no less famous chemist Volt already made the right conclusions. He made the discovery of galvanic currents and made the first prototype of batteries.
Symptoms of galvanosis
The characteristic signs of such a disease in most cases are individual in nature, based on the composition of saliva and the state of the immune system of each patient. At the same time, other factors affect the symptoms. That is, are there foci of inflammation in the oral cavity, the patient's psychoemotional state, hormonal background, and a number of others.
How can one determine the symptoms of galvanosis of the oral cavity? The following manifestations may indicate this:
- A constant feeling of an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which in no way can be associated with eating.
- The tongue and mucous membrane swell, itch, a burning sensation appears.
- Due to the disruption of the receptors, the taste of the products is distorted: everything sour, sweet, salty, bitter is perceived differently. There are often signs of an aftertaste. That is, eating sweets, you can feel a slight bitterness. In some cases, the ability to distinguish taste is completely lost, and the food becomes fresh and monotonous.
- The functionality of the salivary glands is impaired, which leads to dry mouth.
- Plaque white-gray on the mucosa.
If you ignore all these signs that are uncharacteristic in a normal situation, then subsequently this leads to the appearance of less pleasant symptoms. In addition to headache, immunity and working capacity are reduced, fatigue occurs quite quickly.
Symptoms and treatment of galvanism in the oral cavity should not be ignored, because often the patients are disturbed at night, which may cause insomnia. In rare cases, the psyche can be seriously affected due to galvanism.
As for the severity of symptoms, it all depends on how the disease proceeds. At the same time, experts distinguish two varieties: typical and atypical galvanosis. In the first case, the symptoms are most pronounced, which greatly simplifies the diagnosis. The course of the atypical form is hidden due to the lethargy of the signs.
What could be the reason?
For many people, after the prosthetics procedure with metal products, galvanism does not subsequently arise. Galvanosis can occur only in a small number of patients. This is mainly due to the different sensitivity of the tissues of the oral cavity. And the higher it is, the higher the risk of developing the disease.
At the same time, this electrical phenomenon does not manifest itself immediately. And here again, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the human body. For some, this can occur in a matter of months, for others, the disease will not give itself away for several years.
The exact time of the appearance of galvanism directly depends on the amount of current in the oral cavity. And the bigger it is, the more irritated the tissues are. Typically, the current increases only for one single reason - a violation of the acid-base balance of saliva, when acidity prevails. And this often happens if you do not stick to a balanced diet.
Diagnosis of galvanosis of the oral cavity
Diagnostic measures are carried out using special medical measuring instruments. In this case, the potential difference between different parts of the prosthesis or between the crowns is measured. The procedure is carried out repeatedly in accordance with a given algorithm.
And since the current is very small, respectively, such devices have hypersensitivity. Diagnosis is based on maximum values. Thus, with the help of instruments, it can be revealed that the true cause of the discomfort of the oral cavity lies precisely in galvanism.
In addition to this, a number of studies are being conducted:
- General analysis of urine, blood.
- The presence of an allergy to metals is determined.
- Biochemical study of saliva and blood.
- Measurement of the acidity of saliva.
During a visual examination of the patient, pathological changes in the mucosa are not always detected, which usually happens under the influence of metal structures in the oral cavity. Galvanosis can nevertheless manifest itself by an increase in the tongue. Also, on orthopedic products, oxide films are visible at the soldering sites.
Diagnostic tools and norm indicators
As a rule, the diagnosis of galvanosis is carried out using such devices:
- potentiometer UPIP-601 and PP-63;
- laboratory pH meter;
- microammeter M-24;
- ISP-28 spectrograph.
The voltage between the metal parts of the prosthesis should be no more than 50-60 mV, and the current strength should be up to 10 μA, not more. The conductivity of saliva also has its own value, which normally equals less than 5-6 μS. In the presence of pathology, the pH balance of saliva shifts towards acidity (about 6.5-6.0 units).
Disease treatment
The essence of the treatment of galvanosis is to eliminate the causes that cause it. Often, metal prostheses are replaced by non-metallic counterparts. If amalgam fillings are present, they also change to composite or cement compositions.
Along with this, other necessary events are held. Thus, the treatment regimen for galvanosis of the oral cavity may look as follows:
- To begin with, the patient's oral cavity is examined. It is necessary to determine if there are any pathologies, as well as whether the prosthetics were performed using metal.
- Metal prostheses, on which an oxide film or traces of corrosion are clearly visible, are removed.
- Now it’s worth waiting a certain pause, which will determine if there is an effect after removing the prosthesis. Usually, this period can drag on for several months, since the appearance of the result may not be right away. But this time can be spent to good use. That is, to engage in the treatment of identified dental diseases, to conduct a general strengthening and immunostimulating course of therapy.
- Repeated prosthetics procedure. It is only carried out only after all signs of galvanosis disappear. So that such a problem no longer appears, you can give preference to composite or ceramic products.
Do not count on a quick result - eliminating the symptoms of galvanism in the oral cavity takes a certain amount of time. As a rule, this is several months after the start of the wellness procedure. True, some patients noted noticeable improvements already in the first days after the removal of prostheses. But this does not happen too often, and in most cases you have to be in a rather long wait.
Probable complications
If timely treatment for such an unusual disease is started, then we can count on an effective result. At the same time, in a running situation there can be serious consequences. Therefore, if you have any of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor for advice.
But what exactly can happen? In this case, the worst possible occurrence - an oncological neoplasm in the oral cavity. A malignant tumor appears due to prolonged exposure to low intensity currents on the mucous membrane.
Of course, this process is slow, but in any case, it can inevitably lead to leukoplakia. And in this case, cancer is not far. And if the body’s immune system is weakened, do not be surprised at the appearance of stomatitis, gingivitis and papillitis.
Preventive measures
As we can now understand, the treatment of galvanism in the oral cavity with the appearance of its first signs is an urgent need, despite the seemingly insignificant nature (lack of signs, low currents, etc.).
There are only two main ways of effective prevention. The essence of the first is, if necessary, to install prostheses to give preference to products made of dielectric material. But if the use of metal cannot be avoided, then all the elements must be from the same material. In this case there will be no objects with different properties, therefore, the potential difference should not arise.
In addition, it is worth considering that in the presence of metal prostheses, you must regularly visit the dentist, and at least once every six months. This will assess their condition, as well as the degree of exposure to the oral mucosa. In addition, before the next prosthetics procedure, it is worth informing the doctor in detail. That is, he must know whether the patient had previously signs of galvanism, what orthopedic products are already available at the moment, and what is the body's reaction to their presence.
If there are symptoms of galvanism, it is worth choosing prostheses that are made of homogeneous materials in a cast manner. It is better to refuse soldered products right away. Ceramics and composite materials are the best alternative.
Issue price
How much can a procedure to get rid of galvanism in the oral cavity cost? It is very difficult to unequivocally answer this question, since everything depends on the specific situation. In particular, we are talking about the complexity of orthopedic structures, the degree of the disease, the general condition of the patient.
It can definitely be said that the first consultation of a specialist can cost about 1000 rubles. But it all depends on the status of the dental clinic. Somewhere it can be carried out for free, in prestigious institutions the price may be slightly higher, in private organizations everything is usually a little cheaper. In any case, the final amount will depend on the results of the diagnosis and the complexity of the prosthetics.
Drug therapy
During the treatment of a disease such as galvanosis, it is also important to use medications. In this case, the choice in favor of a particular drug is made only by a doctor, depending on the specific situation.
Antifungal drugs are prescribed for excessive reproduction of fungi.
The dosage of fluconazole is usually 50-400 mg per day, more accurately determined by the doctor based on the severity of galvanosis. Taking the drug for persons with individual intolerance to its components is understandably prohibited.
The course of therapy against galvanism in the oral cavity involves the administration of terfenadine, which can be prescribed in addition to fluconazole. Its daily dosage is 480 mg. This tool is quite well absorbed by the gastrointestinal mucosa. Suitable for people with work, the specificity of which is associated with increased stress on the brain. Liver diseases are a direct contraindication to taking the drug.