Intraoral chemical burn from use of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Injudicious use of over-the-counter 3% hydrogen peroxide, a relatively potent oxidative agent, can result in a chemical burn to the oral mucosa. This article describes a patient who rinsed with 3% hydrogen peroxide for periods of more than two minutes as a self-prescribed remedy for oral discomfort following seafood ingestion. Subsequently, the patient experienced pain and extensive chemical burns of the sublingual and buccal mucosa and gingiva. In addition, the buccal mucosa underwent necrosis. Prolonged oral mucosal contact with 3% hydrogen peroxide is ill-advised.
Department of Periodontics, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, USA.
Arash M
AM
Rostami
John K
JK
Brooks
D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008046:Lip / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009336:Necrosis; D016877:Oxidants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012459:Salicylates / Q000009:adverse effects; D013729:Terpenes / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014059:Tongue / Q000293:injuries
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009067:Mouthwashes; D016877:Oxidants; D012459:Salicylates; D013729:Terpenes; C057473:Listerine; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide