Impalement Injury of Toothbrush in the Lateral Pharynx: A Case Report
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Abstract
Tooth brushing is a daily activity that helps to maintain good oral health. However, incautious brushing can cause soft tissue trauma. Trauma can range from minor soft tissue injuries, such as contusions, to life threatening oropharyngeal injuries involving carotid artery and vein.
This case report involves a 9-year-old boy who accidentally fell while brushing his teeth at school. The fall caused penetration of the toothbrush into the lateral pharynx. He was transported to the hospital (with the toothbrush in place). After undergoing a triage assessment, a local anesthetic was administered and the toothbrush was removed. The patient was later discharged with recommendations to be closely monitored by the parents. Healing was uneventful. During the follow up visit, no complications were detected.
The present paper discusses the incidence, treatment planning, dental management and preventive strategies to avoid pre and post treatment complication due to impalement injuries in the oral cavity among the children. Dentists, parents and caretakers must be made aware of magnitude and sequelae from such trauma in order to refrain from an incident and serious complication.
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References
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