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A two-year-old child underwent successful removal of a metallic foreign body from his mouth at KIMSHEALTH Hospital, Umm Al Hassam, after the medical team identified a screw-like object lodged in the gum area near the posterior molar.
Prompt assessment and timely intervention helped prevent potentially serious complications, including displacement of the object, airway obstruction, local injury, or infection.
Radiographic imaging confirmed the presence and location of the metallic object in the posterior region of the lower jaw. Following a careful intraoral assessment, the child was taken to the operating room, where the foreign body was safely removed.
The case highlights the particular risks posed by small objects in very young children. Foreign bodies may initially cause few or no obvious symptoms, but can later become displaced or migrate into the airway, potentially leading to choking or obstruction. If retained in the mouth or surrounding tissues, they may also result in local infection or other complications.
Commenting on the case, KIMSHEALTH Hospital ENT specialist Dr Rijo Mangalasseril said: “This was a delicate case because the metallic object was small and lodged in a sensitive area inside the mouth. If it had moved or entered the airway, it could have caused serious complications. Early diagnosis, accurate radiographic localisation, and a structured intervention in the operating room enabled us to remove it safely.”
He added: “This case is also an important reminder for parents to keep small objects such as screws, batteries and toy parts out of children’s reach. Young children frequently place objects in their mouths, and close supervision is essential. If a foreign body is suspected in the mouth or throat, medical attention should be sought promptly, even if the child appears comfortable.”
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