The term “latex” usually refers to the main ingredient in rubber. Natural latex is a milky substance harvested from rubber tree plants which are grown primarily in Africa, Malaysia and South American. It is collected much like we collect maple syrup. Because the trees are tapped and not harmed in the process, they provide manufacturers with a sustainable resource that’s useful in the fabrication of an almost endless list of products.
Latex in the dental office
Many dental-related items can be made of latex including:
- gloves;
- dental dams, also known as “rubber dams” which are thin sheets used in dentistry to isolate one or more teeth from the rest of the mouth during a dental procedure;
- prophy cups, the devices used by hygienists to polish teeth;
- bite blocks, the props used to help patients keep their jaws open during dental procedures; and
orthodontic elastics.
Fortunately, there are non-latex alternatives for all of these items that are made of substances including plastic and silicon. While indeed they do cost more than their latex-containing counterparts, in my mind it is money well spent as latex allergies are nothing to be taken lightly.
What is a latex allergy?
A latex allergy is a reaction some individuals have when they come into contact with certain proteins found in latex. Like most allergies, reactions can vary from mild, which would include symptoms like itching, sneezing or a runny nose, to potentially life-threatening responses including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can cause respiratory failure, cardiovascular spasms and other dangerous medical conditions that can often be fatal. Most latex allergies fall under the following two allergy classifications:
Type I – This is the most serious and rare form of latex allergy as it is most commonly associated with anaphylactic shock. Those who have this type of allergy can be provoked without even touching latex. Latex is typically powdered to prevent sticking. The latex proteins adhere to the powder particles which can then become airborne. When inhaled by those with this severe type of allergy, these contaminated particles can be deadly.
Type IV – This type of allergy is known as Allergic Contact Dermatitis and most often involves a delayed skin reaction, much like poison ivy.
Can a latex allergy be diagnosed?
A blood test can detect Type 1 natural latex allergies. While a skin-prick test is available for testing Type IV latex allergies, it is not as conclusive.
Who can have a latex allergy?
While some people can be born with this type of allergy, it is widely believed that individuals can acquire it with ongoing latex exposure. This could explain why industrial rubber workers and healthcare providers are at the greatest risk. Individuals who have had multiple surgical procedures, especially in childhood, are also at a high risk as are children with spina bifida and those with congenital birth defects. People with a history of allergies, asthma or excema also appear to be more prone to having latex allergies.
There also seems to be a connection between food allergies and latex allergies. Foods such as bananas, chestnuts, avocados, kiwis and passion fruit contain some of the same allergens found in latex so if you are allergic to any of these foods, you have a greater chance of being allergic to latex as well.
If you are allergic to latex or suspect you might be…
If you suspect that you may have a latex allergy, talk with your doctor. Get tested. If you have a latex allergy, advocate for yourself and be vigilant. Be sure that during medical or dental appointments or procedures, you will in no way be exposed to latex or latex dust. Find a dental office that like ours, is 100% latex free. I insist on a no-latex policy at Brantford North Dental to help ensure the health and wellbeing of both my staff and patients alike.
Steven Deskin is a Brantford Dentist in general practice.
