Latex Allergy - What should I do when I visit the dentist?

$Introduction$

$Glossary$

$What is latex allergy?$

$History of latex allergy$

$What things contain latex?$

$How common is latex allergy?$

$What will happen to me if I have an allergic reaction?$

$How is latex allergy diagnosed?$

$Is latex allergy serious?$

$Does latex allergy go away?$

$What can I do to help prevent an allergic reaction to latex?$

$How are allergic reactions to latex treated?$

$How do hospitals deal with latex allergy?$

$What gloves are used in healthcare?$

$What should I do when I visit the dentist?$

$How will latex allergy affect my daily life?$

$Can people with latex allergy also have food allergy?$

$What gloves can I wear if I am allergic to latex?$

$Why is glove powder a problem?$

$Frequently Asked Questions$

$Where can I get further information?$

>> What should I do when I visit the dentist?

Inform the practice. Ask to talk to your dentist in person, and explain your fears.

Confirm that your dentist feels confident to treat you.

Try to arrange an appointment early in the day because at this time there will be the least amount of powder from gloves present in the air (see the 'powder page' ).

Ensure that all the clinical staff involved in your treatment wear non-latex gloves.

Ask your dentist to use latex-free versions of local anaesthetic cartridges, polishing cups, rubber dam, face masks and anaesthetic tubing. If you are very sensitive, s/he may have to check that other less commonly used items are latex-free.

Supply the practice with warning labels. Click here for some you can print out.

Avoid having appointments if your allergy is unstable or you have had an anaphylactic reaction within the previous week.

Ask if you can take a friend or relative with you to give you some extra support.

Be prepared for your dentist to refer you elsewhere if s/he thinks it is necessary.

Where can my dentist find more information about latex allergy?

The Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, published the following book in 2004:

FGDP(UK) Good Practice Guidelines - Guidance for the Management of Natural Rubber Latex Allergy in Dental Patients and Dental Healthcare Workers
ISBN 0 9543451 2 6. Price £20 to members of the FGDP, £25 to non members. Available from the FGDP, Royal College of Surgeons, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE. Tel 020 7869 6754

The British Dental Association, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS. Tel 020 7563 4563.

Articles in the British Dental Journal:

'The dental management of patients with natural rubber latex allergy’ by E A Field, L R Longman, M AI-Sharkawi, L Perrin and M Davies, Volume 185, No2, July 25 1998

‘The provision of dental care for patients with natural rubber latex allergy: are patients able to obtain safe care?’ by A Clarke. Volume 197 no 12, Dec 25 2004, p749-52

Health & Safety Executive website

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