Oro-Facial Thermal Injury caused by Food Heated in a Microwave Oven

From Volume 36, Issue 1, January 2009 | Pages 26-27

Authors

Y Wakefield

BSc, BDS, MFDS

Staff Grade in Oral Surgery, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6FH, UK

Articles by Y Wakefield

MN Pemberton

MBChB, FDS

Consultant in Oral Medicine, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6FH, UK

Articles by MN Pemberton

Abstract

Burns to the oral mucosa usually result from the accidental ingestion of hot food or beverages. The burns are usually of short duration and little consequence. The widespread use of microwave ovens, however, has added a new dimension to the problem. Microwave ovens heat food much quicker than a conventional oven, but they produce uneven heating within the food and extremely high temperatures can be reached. We describe two cases of patients who suffered inadvertent injury to the oral mucosa from the ingestion of microwave-heated food.

Article

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Update and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month
  • New content available