Glossitis Suspected of Being Caused by Galvanic Current

Abstract

A galvanic current may be caused in the oral cavity when two or more dissimilar metallic repair materials are present, and it is well known among dentists that severe pain, called “galvanic pain”, may result. We report two cases of glossitis thought to have been caused by oral galvanism. We measured the galvanic current in patients with glossitis and found significantly larger electric currents in the patients than in controls. We suspect that oral galvanism is the cause of glossitis when the conditions are as follows: 1) Anemia, medications, mechanical stimulation by dental repair, zinc deficiency, etc. have been ruled out; 2) Currents greater than five micro-amperes are demonstrated. © 1991, The Society of Practical Otolaryngology. All rights reserved.