What to Do if You Suspect an Allergic Reaction to Your Dentist's Tools or Materials

When you visit the dentist, you may be exposed to a variety of materials and tools that can cause an allergic reaction. From latex allergy to local anesthetic allergy to allergic reactions to bridges and fillings, some people may experience more than they expected. It is important to tell your dentist if you have any allergies before your next appointment, and to provide a complete list of your allergies and past reactions. This will help ensure your safety during your consultation.

A thorough anamnesis and clinical examination should be performed when a patient is suspected of being allergic. This includes a puncture test and scratching of the skin. Many rubber products are made of latex, which is commonly used in health care items, such as latex exam gloves. While 1% of Americans have a latex allergy, anyone with a history of allergies, repeated exposure to latex, and who has undergone frequent surgical procedures can have an allergic reaction. Chlorhexidine is an effective antiseptic that is widely used in dentistry, and is present in several dental products, including some mouthwashes, toothpastes and dental implants.

A similar case was recently reported in Australia, where a child with a milk allergy developed anaphylaxis after using “dental foam” containing Recaldent during dental treatment. The dental team will be aware of the importance of using latex-free products whenever possible and will be attentive to patients with latex allergies. It is also important to consider the risk of allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) contained in caps, gloves and protectors, as well as to other dental materials. The most common allergic reactions among dental staff are allergies to latex, acrylates, formaldehyde, and other materials. The clinical manifestations of allergy to different dental materials were reviewed based on different case reports. Patients can only disclose their drug allergies and not realize that other types of allergies need to be reported when they fill out medical history forms and consult with their healthcare provider. If you think you may be having an allergic reaction to your dentist's tools or materials, it is important to tell your dentist right away.

Your dentist can help you identify the source of the allergy and provide treatment options that can help reduce the risk of future reactions.