This is the second part of our Dental Allergies series. As in the previous post, we’re discussing common dental allergies some patients may experience when visiting the dentist.
What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a reaction which occurs when our skin comes into contact with a chemical found in some makeups, soaps, or fragrances. Some patients may experience itchy, red, and dry skin.
There are two categories of contact dermatitis:
– Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction caused by materials such as fashion jewelry, poison ivy, nickel, latex gloves, or cosmetics.
– Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when a product irritates our skin over some time.
Some patients experience a reaction to elements such as toothpaste and fluoride treatments, amalgam fillings, and also ingredients that are used in dental porcelain and bonding. The areas that are usually affected are the gums, skin, lips, and tongue.
Local Anesthetic Allergies
Many patients could not endure a tooth extraction or a filling without local anesthetic. However, some patients experience an allergic reaction to this substance.
For local anesthetic allergies, there are some symptoms to pay attention to that signify an allergic reaction is occurring. Soon after the local anesthetic has been given, patients may experience swelling of the mouth. In extreme cases, patients may experience trouble breathing. Various side effects of the reaction may include feelings of anxiety, heightened heart rate, hyperventilation, as well as contact dermatitis.
Why are some patients allergic to local anesthetic while others aren’t? The reaction may be because of a sensitivity to epinephrine and chemicals such as methylparaben. A skin allergy test can be taken to reveal if a patient is allergic to novocaine or other local anesthetics.
It’s essential to talk about your medical history with your dental practitioner. This information could be key in deciding what local anesthetics are appropriate for you.
At Aerni Dental, our mission is to give our patients the highest-quality service. Dr. Aerni and his team will gladly take the time to ensure you are fully informed about all procedures being used before we begin any work! Make an appointment today!