About Allergies: Allergies at the Dentist

If you can't see this email, click here

Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Going to the dentist for a routine teeth cleaning doesn't rank very high on most people's priority lists. Many of us delay going to the dentist for lots of reasons, including the need to have a painful procedure performed. Some people may have a legitimate excuse for not going to the dentist - they may experience an allergic reaction as a result. From latex allergy and local anesthetic allergy to allergic reactions to bridges and fillings, some people may be getting more than they bargained for with a trip to the dentist. Latex Allergy at the Dentist Latex is the major ingredient in most rubber products, and is commonly found in the health care industry, including in latex examination gloves. Some people may develop an allergy to latex, with exposure resulting in potentially serious reactions including hives, itching at the site of contact or all over, tightness of the throat, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and anaphylaxis. Such an allergic reaction could conceivably occur when going to a dentist who wears latex examination gloves. Local Anesthetic Allergy Reactions to local anesthetics are relatively common, although they may not always be caused by a true allergy. Symptoms occurring after the use of local anesthetics may also be caused by anxiety, hyperventilation, as well as side effects to epinephrine which is frequently added to local anesthetics to make the numbing effect last longer. Preservatives added to local anesthetics, called methylparabens, are a more common cause of allergic reactions to local anesthetics. Since going to the dentist may mean the need for fillings, the use of local anesthetics may trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Contact Dermatitis at the Dentist There are many chemicals and materials used in the dentist's office that are capable of causing contact dermatitis, both on the face, lips, and on the gums. Metals used in dental amalgam, including mercury, can result in redness, swelling and irritation of the gums. Flavorings found in mouthwashes, toothpastes and fluoride treatments could also cause itchy rashes inside the mouth or on the skin around the lips. Lastly, dental dams containing rubber compounds, usually other than latex, can result in contact dermatitis around the mouth. A number of potential contact allergens are present at the dentist office - exposure to these may result in reactions around the mouth, on the lips, or inside the mouth. Allergies Ads Allergies Dust Mite Allergies Causes of Allergies Latex Allergy Allergies Skin Rash Featured Articles Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies   More from About.com Is it a Cold or the Flu? Knowing whether you have a cold or the flu can help you treat your symptoms more effectively. More > Concerned About Your Drinking? This short quiz can help you identify whether or not you have a drinking problem. Take the quiz now > This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement