Experiencing the Unexpected: Oral Galvanism in Everyday Life

Have you ever accidentally bitten down on a utensil or piece of aluminum foil and experienced a “zap”? Although the “zap” may only occur acutely, some people live with this phenomenon chronically. You might have heard it referred to as “battery mouth,” but properly, this peculiarity is called an oral galvanic reaction. It occurs when a current of electricity is created inside your head, face, or jaws while you have metal fillings, crowns, or implants in your mouth. If you are unfamiliar with this word, Galvanism in dentistry is defined as a direct current of electricity, especially when produced by chemical action. In this case, the “chemical” in your mouth creating the “action” is your saliva, food, and beverages.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms you may experience from an oral galvanic reaction may include various degrees of:

• A salty or metallic taste
• Tingling sensation
• Burning mouth sensation
• Sensitivity of one or more teeth
• Rash
• Pain

One of our patients even described it as a fiery burning sensation going through her face and body. She felt like she was “shorting out”!

Understanding the Cause

Oral Galvanism can occur whenever two different metals are present in your mouth. Surprisingly, they don’t even have to touch each other since your saliva contains electrolytes, which are conductors of electricity. Mixing metals with dissimilar electrical properties anywhere in the mouth, such as a titanium metal dental implant, gold crown or onlay, mercury amalgam filling, metal crown or bridge, or even a cast metal partial, can cause oral Galvanism.

The Broader Impact on Health

Not every case of oral Galvanism is noticeable to the person affected. Therefore, you don’t necessarily have to experience a galvanic shock for the electrochemical reactions of oral Galvanism to wreak havoc in your mouth or your overall health, for that matter! The galvanic reaction inside your head can do more than just the abovementioned symptoms. It could potentially also:

• Cause corrosion of any metal in your mouth, leading to systemic toxicity of heavy metals over time.
• Cause disturbances in your central nervous system leading to headaches, chronic fatigue, memory loss, mental confusion, and sleep deprivation
• Release electrical charges that interrupt cellular communication, which may include the meridians throughout your body that connect specific teeth to specific organs.

Seeking Solutions with a Dentist in Citrus Heights, CA

What are therapeutic solutions if you have metal restorations in your mouth? Dr. Azouz is certified and highly experienced in safely and properly removing metal dental restorations. He then replaces them with the highest quality, biocompatible materials available in dentistry, which include:

• Zirconia ceramic metal-free dental implants
• Porcelain and zirconia metal-free crowns and bridges
• BPA-free composite resin tooth-colored filling materials.

Fortunately, these biocompatible materials are also very natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing. If you are interested in learning more about how you can safely replace your metal restorations, we invite you to call our office at 916-961-2020 to schedule a time to discuss your oral health goals with Dr. Azouz in his Citrus Heights, CA, office.

Moving Forward: A Metal-Free Smile

If oral galvanism treatment concerns you, exploring metal-free dental restorations could be the solution. With advancements in dental materials and techniques, achieving a healthy, aesthetically pleasing smile is possible without the risks associated with mixed metal restorations. Contacting a skilled dentist in Citrus Heights, CA, can be the first step toward resolving symptoms and enhancing your oral health.

For those in and around Citrus Heights, contacting Dr. Azouz’s office at 916-961-2020 can allow you to discuss your oral health goals and explore the best options for a metal-free dental future. Don’t let oral Galvanism hold you back! Book your appointment today for better sleep and improved overall health. Your journey to a brighter, more energized tomorrow starts here!