Oral galvanism: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, or if your tongue or throat swells rapidly.

   These are not typical features of oral galvanism but can occur with a severe allergic reaction or spreading infection.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Make an appointment sooner if a filling or crown is loose, broken or painful when you bite.

   Seek prompt dental or medical assessment for increasing pain, a mouth ulcer lasting more than two weeks, unexplained bleeding, a new lump, fever, pus or facial swelling.

   These features may have another cause, such as infection, and should not be assumed to be oral galvanism.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine dental appointment if you have repeated metallic tastes, burning, tingling or electric sensations near dental work.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Oral galvanism. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.