The use of household items for first aid purposes is a common practice, but not all such practices are safe or effective. One such remedy is the application of toothpaste on burns, a method traditionally believed to provide relief. However, this approach, particularly when used near sensitive areas such as the eyes, can lead to serious complications. The pH levels of most toothpastes range between 7 and 10, which, while generally safe for oral use, can be harmful when in contact with the eyes. This case report presents a critical examination of the ocular risks associated with the application of toothpaste on burns, as illustrated by the case of a 12-year-old girl who sustained a corneal injury after toothpaste was applied to a burn near her eye. Prior studies have demonstrated that substances with extreme pH levels, including many common household items, can cause significant chemical injuries to the eyes. These injuries can range from mild irritation to severe conditions such as corneal ulcers and opacities [1-6].

The report aims to raise awareness about the potential dangers of misusing toothpaste as a remedy for burns and to emphasize the need for immediate professional medical care in cases of ocular exposure to chemical agents.     

Case Description

A 12-year-old girl sustained an injury near her left eye when she was accidentally struck by a burning wooden stick while playing with her brother. In response to the burn, her mother applied toothpaste around the affected area. Approximately 30 minutes after the application, the child began to experience a severe burning sensation in her eye. She was promptly taken to the emergency room for medical attention. Upon examination, her visual acuity was found to be normal (6/6) in her right eye, but she could only count fingers at a distance of one meter with her left eye. Notably, a whitish deposit was observed on the surface of her left cornea, attributed to the infiltration of toothpaste into the eye. An extensive normal saline wash was conducted, successfully removing the whitish deposit. Post-wash, her visual acuity in the left eye improved to 6/6. Both eyes exhibited normal pupillary reactions. Further examination using fluorescein staining under cobalt blue light revealed a large epithelial defect in the left eye. The dye was then washed off, and treatment was administered, which included a pad and patch along with 0.5% moxifloxacin eye drops and chloramphenicol eye applicap. The child was monitored over the next three days, during which the epithelial defect completely healed (Figure 1).

Figure 1:(A-C): Images of Case Who Sustained an Injury Near Her Left Eye

This discussion aims to analyze the risks associated with such practices and the importance of proper first-aid measures.

Toothpastes, widely used for oral hygiene, have pH levels typically ranging from 7 to 10, making them potentially hazardous when they come into contact with the eye. The alkalinity or acidity of toothpaste, although safe for dental use, can cause chemical injuries when in contact with ocular tissues. Alkali substances, in particular, are more dangerous to the eye as they can penetrate the cornea more rapidly compared to acidic substances, which tend to form a protective layer preventing further penetration [6-7].

Chemical injuries to the eye, such as those from toothpaste, can result in a spectrum of conditions from mild irritation to severe complications like corneal ulcers and opacities. These injuries necessitate immediate and appropriate intervention. The standard immediate treatment involves rigorous irrigation with water or saline to dilute and remove the chemical agent. Delay in such treatment can lead to prolonged contact time of the chemical with the ocular surface, thereby increasing the risk of severe injury [3-4,7-8].

Moreover, this case underscores the need for public education about the risks of using unproven home remedies, particularly in sensitive areas like the eyes. Awareness campaigns and educational programs should highlight the importance of seeking professional medical advice for burns and eye injuries instead of resorting to home remedies.

In conclusion, the case of the 12-year-old girl serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of using toothpaste as a treatment for burns near the eyes. It emphasizes the need for immediate professional medical intervention and highlights the importance of public education in preventing such hazardous practices. The medical community should also be vigilant in educating patients about the appropriate first-aid measures for chemical eye injuries and the potential risks of common household substances.

1. Kattan, A.E. et al. “Current knowledge of burn injury first aid practices and applied traditional remedies: a nationwide survey.” Burns & Trauma, vol. 4, 2016, p. 37.

2. Healthline. “Toothpaste on burns: does this home remedy work?” Healthline, 2023, Accessed 22 Dec. 2023.

3. Burncenters. “Why you shouldn’t put toothpaste on burns: harmful home remedies to avoid.” Burncenters, 2023, Accessed 22 Dec. 2023.

4. Colgate. “Toothpaste on burns: does this home remedy work?” Colgate, 2023, Accessed 23 Dec. 2023.

5. Times of India. “Never apply toothpaste on burn area, say doctors.” Times of India, 2014, Accessed 23 Dec. 2023.

6. Chirongoma, F. et al. “First aid practices, beliefs, and sources of information among caregivers regarding paediatric burn injuries in Harare, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study.” Malawi Medical Journal, vol. 29, no. 2, 2017, pp. 151–154.

7. Soni, P. and Bende, N. “Comparison of pH of different types of toothpastes used in India.” International Journal of Science and Research, vol. 11, no. 3, 2022, pp. 1252–1255.

8. Mazur, M. et al. “Green dentistry: organic toothpaste formulations.” Dental and Medical Problems, vol. 59, no. 3, 2022, pp. 461–474.