Placing any electrical device in the mouth, especially a plugged-in charger, is extremely dangerous and can cause severe injury. This incident most commonly involves young children exploring their environment orally, exposing delicate tissues to an electrical current. The presence of saliva significantly changes the body’s natural resistance to electricity, drastically amplifying the potential for harm. Even though a charger’s cable end operates at a low voltage, the consequences of this exposure can be life-altering and require immediate medical intervention.
The Electrical Hazard: Voltage and Current
The danger level depends entirely on which part of the charging system is contacted. The main charger block, or “brick,” plugs directly into a wall outlet, which supplies a high-voltage alternating current (AC), typically 120 volts in the United States. Contact with the prongs of the charger block while it is plugged in can be lethal, as this voltage is more than enough to cause ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest.
The cable end, which plugs into a phone, operates at a much lower direct current (DC) voltage after the charger block converts the power. Standard USB cables deliver about 5 volts, though modern fast chargers can push this up to 20 volts during the charging process. While these voltages are considered too low to cause systemic electrocution, they are still capable of causing localized injury in the mouth.
Because oral tissues are excellent conductors due to saliva, the current flows easily, generating intense heat. This leads to a thermal injury known as an electrical burn. The risk is further increased if the cable is frayed or damaged, as this exposes the internal, live wires.
Immediate Injuries and Tissue Damage
The immediate consequence of an electrical current passing through the oral cavity is a severe electrical burn affecting the lips, tongue, gums, and palate. The high heat generated by the current coagulates the tissue, often causing the burn site to look deceptively minor at first glance.
The true damage is often deeper than the surface appearance suggests, leading to deep tissue necrosis, which is the death of cells in the underlying muscle and nerve tissues. Significant swelling (edema) is common and can develop rapidly within the first several hours, creating a risk of airway obstruction that necessitates specialized medical care.
A common and serious complication is delayed, significant bleeding that can start hours or even days after the initial shock when damaged blood vessels finally rupture. Long-term outcomes include severe scarring around the mouth, which may lead to microstomia, restricting the opening of the mouth and impairing eating and speech. The involuntary muscle contraction caused by the current can also lead to the person biting down forcefully, causing additional trauma.
Emergency Response and Prevention
If someone has put a live charger in their mouth, immediately cut off the power source. This means unplugging the charger from the wall or turning off the circuit breaker for that area. Do not touch the injured person until the current is confirmed to be off.
Once the power is disconnected, emergency medical services should be called immediately, as the full extent of internal damage is not visible.
- Check if the person is breathing, and if they are not, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Do not attempt to apply ice, creams, or ointments to the oral burns.
- Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.
- The burned area should be covered with a clean cloth or sterile gauze while waiting for help to arrive.
Preventative measures involve keeping all charging cables and power sources out of the reach of infants and toddlers. Unused outlets should be fitted with tamper-resistant covers. All charging cables should be inspected regularly for signs of fraying or damage, and chargers should be unplugged and stored away when not in use.