Around one in every five people in the UK has an allergy.1 This could be a seasonal allergy, like hay fever, or a food allergy; peanuts are one of the more common food allergies that come to mind.
It’s important to be aware that many items in the dental practice that are used in everyday treatments could also be a threat to those with allergies. So it’s important to know what these threats could be, in order to recognise when treatments may need to be altered.
Antibacterial allergies
When tackling a bacterial infection, antibiotics are usually part of an effective treatment plan. Penicillin, in particular, is considered part of the gold standard of treatment for odontogenic infections due to its cost-effectiveness, low incidence of side effects, and antimicrobial activity.2
However, allergic reactions are possible, and it is one of the most common antibiotics that will illicit such a response.3 Anaphylaxis is incredibly rare. Estimations suggest it’ll only occur at 1-5 per 10,000 cases of penicillin therapy 4 – but the chance means clinicians should still be ready and aware of such a problem.
More often than not, a reaction would consist of raised, itchy skin, perhaps joined by coughing, wheezing, or a tight throat. Antihistamines are recommended in mild to moderate cases.3
Clinicians may also prescribe kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine, a disinfectant and antiseptic that is useful against gingivitis.
It’s the third most common cause of perioperative anaphylaxis but has a low incidence rate of 0.78 per 100,000 exposures.5 Therefore, checking whether patients have had previous issues with chlorhexidine-containing products is still necessary, despite its low allergen potential.
The gloves are off
Found most often in the gloves of a dental practitioner, latex is an increasingly common allergen. Following a growth in latex products and exposure in the late 1980s and 1990s,5 it has developed into a wider-spread threat, especially to healthcare professionals.
Since these individuals will be in contact with the material more often, they have an increased chance of becoming allergic compared to the general population. It’s suggested that allergy rates are 9.7% and 4.3% respectively.5
Anaphylaxis is still exceptionally rare, instead, latex allergies are more likely to appear as an itchy rash, with itchy eyes, sneezing or a runny nose.6
Dental practices should provide latex-free gloves to protect susceptible patients and practitioners. However, the use of powdered latex gloves within the wider practice can still be a potential issue and affect those with sensitivity purely through being in close proximity.7
Super substitutes
Finding alternative solutions that still enable you to work with at-risk patients and professionals is essential. For example, clinicians could access a range of vinyl and nitrile gloves from Initial Medical, as excellent replacements for latex items. Available in sizes extra-small to extra-large, they are ideal to have to hand in practice and can be bulk ordered in 10 boxes of 100 to maintain healthy stock levels.
Whether you are considering antibiotic solutions, mouthwash recommendations, gloves, or other items, it pays to be prepared for allergens, ensuring susceptible patients can still receive exceptional care.
References:
- Sheldon, J., & Miller, L. (2014). Allergy diagnosis reference guide. Clinical Biochemistry, East Kent University Hospitals, NHS P-6.
- Ahmadi, H., Ebrahimi, A., & Ahmadi, F. (2021). Antibiotic therapy in dentistry. International journal of dentistry, 2021.
- NHS, (2022). Side Effects, Antibiotics. (Online) Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/side-effects/ [Accessed November 2023]
- Bhattacharya, S. (2010). The facts about penicillin allergy: a review. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research, 1(1), 11.
- Nucera, E., Aruanno, A., Rizzi, A., & Centrone, M. (2020). Latex allergy: current status and future perspectives. Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 385-398.
- NHS Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, (2018). Latex Allergy. (Online) Available at: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/latex-allergy/ [Accessed November 2023]
- Health and Safety Executive, (N.D.). Latex allergies – Dental hygienist. (Online) Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/casestudies/julie-dental.htm [Accessed November 2023]
