Allergies? Here is Why You Should Tell your Dentist

Many of us have this misconception of considering our oral health independent from the rest of our bodies. Let us tell you that this a very foolish and grave mistake.

Your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health and any negative changes in your overall health will also have an impact on your oral health.

When we visit the dentist, we tend to forget mentioning that we suffer from any allergies as we feel that it is not important. After all, we are at the dentist’s who is only concerned with our teeth, right?

Well, you couldn’t be further away from the truth. In case you suffer from any allergies, or even if it’s just sensitive skin, it would be a wise idea to inform your dentist beforehand.

Sensitive skin:

Many of us have sensitive skin that instantly reacts to jewellery made from non-precious metals. The results include itching, swelling, and irritation.

Having skin allergies like these could mean that your skin will react when it comes in contact with the metals that your dentist will use in things like metal base crowns.

What if I have a metal allergy?

You can identify if you have a metal allergy by just looking at the tissues around the metal crown. If the tissues have turned red, puffy and irritated along the base of the crown, then chances are that you are allergic to metals.

These symptoms are extremely common to a common dental problem called gingivitis. However if you have a healthy oral practices and still find these symptoms, then it’s not gingivitis, but a metal allergy that is bothering you.

If you are going for an RCT (Root Canal Treatment):

Many of us who go in for a root canal treatment, don’t realize that there are high chances of developing allergies in this treatment. Just look at the following points:

1. Try and ask your dentist to arrange for a non-latex dam in case you are allergic to latex. The dam is used to protect the mouth from the heat that is used in completing the root filling.
2. Another item used in this treatment is the gutta percha that is also made out of rubber latex. So inform your dentist about your latex allergy so that he can look into other alternatives before starting the root canal treatment.
3. Many people are also allergic to sealants. So inform your dentists about your possible allergies to see what other steps can be taken to avoid these unpleasant reactions.
4. Chlorhexidine is a commonly used antiseptic to disinfect the root to ensure there are no bacteria before the filling process can begin. Many patients are now discovering that they are allergic to Chlorhexidine. If you are one of them, don’t risk it; talk to your dentist.
5. Many of us are allergic to latex and the dentists and his associates generally wear latex gloves while at work. So tell them before-hand so that they can wear non-latex vinyl gloves as this has lower chances of causing an allergic reaction.

Bottom line:

Don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist about all your possible allergies. If, at any point, he makes you feel uncomfortable, or comes across as one who doesn’t care about your problems, then, it’s time to start looking for a better dentist.