Potential and polarization measurements in vivo of oral galvanism

Galvanic currents within the oral cavity may have harmful effects on biological tissues. In the present work 16 patients with different kinds of oral and other discomfort and pain which they attributed to oral galvanism were investigated. The potential and polarization of each metal restoration within reach of a platinum probe were measured versus a reference electrode. A recording of these measured values permits a calculation of the currents which may pass between the teeth. A control group of patients with no subjective symptoms of galvanism in the oral cavity was also investigated. The results of the electrochemical measurements showed that conditions for oral galvanism existed within the individuals of the patient group as well as within the control group. One remarkable observation was that the metallic restorations often consisted of different electrically isolated areas with different electrochemical properties. This and other factors influencing oral galvanism are discussed.