Discuss Allergies with Your Dentist

As you sit in your dentist’s office waiting for a cleaning or exam, you probably have a list of things you’d like to discuss – X-rays, whitening, cavities, bad habits. But here’s one that probably doesn’t make your short list: allergies. 

Though common allergies like hayfever won’t affect your visit, certain contact allergies may cause problems. Allergic reactions to latex, anesthesia^[1] and, in rare cases, certain metals — which may be used in fillings, crowns or partial dentures – are all important to mention.^{[2], [3]}
 
If you do have an allergy to anesthesia, latex gloves or something else that’s commonly used in dental practices, don’t worry. There are safe alternatives for everything, and your dentist will be able to discuss options with you – for instance, neoprene or nitrile gloves instead of traditional latex.^[4]
 
Even if you don’t think your particular allergy is something that is cause for concern, it’s worth a quick discussion with your dentist. You should always mention any general health issues during your dental visit.