Transoral Penetrating Injury with a Toothbrush: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Oral penetrating traumas with a toothbrush are often encountered in clinical oral surgery. Most cases are minor injuries, but some require surgery or hospitalization due to complications. We report an overview of three cases of oral penetrating injuries caused by toothbrushes. The first case was a 4-year-old girl whose toothbrush had penetrated her palatoglossus muscle, leading into her parapharyngeal space. The second case was a 2-year-old boy who was transported by ambulance with a toothbrush stuck in the buccal mucosa. In the third case, the buccal fat pad of a 1-year 6-months-old boy was incarcerated after penetration of the buccal mucosa with a toothbrush. After admission, he needed a reduction of the buccal fat pad under general anesthesia. The clinical symptoms of an oropharyngeal penetrating injury vary depending on the condition of the toothbrush that caused the injury, the site of the injury, and the degree of injury. Even if the wound is small, it can cause severe damage to deep tissues. Therefore, it is necessary to make an accurate initial diagnosis, predict the subsequent risks, and decide on appropriate treatment. Additionally, literature reviews have shown several characteristics of these injuries and the risk of serious complications.