Intraoral chemical burn from use of 3% hydrogen peroxide

Gen Dent. 2011 Nov-Dec;59(6):504-6.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / adverse effects
  • Burns, Chemical / etiology*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gingiva / injuries
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / adverse effects*
  • Lip / injuries
  • Male
  • Mouth Mucosa / injuries*
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Mouthwashes / adverse effects*
  • Necrosis
  • Oxidants / adverse effects*
  • Salicylates / adverse effects
  • Terpenes / adverse effects
  • Time Factors
  • Tongue / injuries

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Drug Combinations
  • Mouthwashes
  • Oxidants
  • Salicylates
  • Terpenes
  • Listerine
  • Hydrogen Peroxide