References

Why is it important to be
aware of food allergies in the
dental office?
Many dental products contain
top allergens such as peanut or
tree nuts, milk protein and egg
protein.
Reactions can occur
immediately or may not appear
for several hours.
We must thoroughly review
their medical history and plan
treatment accordingly.
Ask about their allergies and
any past reactions
Always make sure to read
product labels.

Fagan, Michelle A. (February 12, 2016). Food

Allergy Awareness. Retrieved from
http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volu
me-32/issue-08/features/food-%20allergyawareness.html
Food Allergy Research & Education (2015).
Egg Allergy. Retrieved from
http://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/eggallergy
Goldie, Maria Perno. (May 11, 2015). Food
Allergies and Anaphylaxis Practice
Parameters. Retrieved from
http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2015/
05/food-allergies-and-anaphylaxis-practiceparameters.html
Hsu, Deborah C. Cravero, Joseph P. (October
6, 2014). Up To Date. Retrieved from
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/selectio
n-of-medications-for-pediatric-proceduralsedation-outside-of-the-operating-room
Ludman, S. Neil, S. Fox, Adam T. (September
16, 2013). BMJ. Retrieved from
http://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f542
4
Mattana, Durinda. (July 29, 2015). Is Fluoride
Varnish a Risk for Patients With Nut Allergies?
Retrieved from Dimensions Of Dental
Hygiene 70.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (August 7, 2014). Disease
and Conditions Milk Allergy. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/milkallergy/basics/symptoms/CON-20032147

TREATING PATIENTS
WITH FOOD
ALLERGIES
Katelyn Crouch, LIT Dental Hygiene
Student
Holli Schexnider, LIT Dental Hygiene
Student
LAMAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM

Cows Milk Protein is also known

as casein and/or whey protein.

Cows milk protein allergy typically

affects children, but it may progress to
adolescence and adulthood. Milk is the
third most common food, after peanuts
and tree nuts, to cause anaphylaxis.

What dental products

contain peanuts and or tree
nuts?

An allergy to cows milk protein, which

may also be called casein, is not the

Some products contain rosin which

comes from pine and spruce trees and
could produce a reaction in some
patients.
Fluoride varnish, dental cements,
impression materials, and polishing
pastes are materials that contain rosin.
These are products we need to be
careful applying to patients.
A cross-reaction to patients with a
hypersensitivity to rosin or pine nuts
cannot be ruled out. You should
consult with their physician before
applying. Few reactions have been
reported, however precautionary
measures should still be taken.

same as lactose-intolerance

Dental materials that may contain milk

protein:

Recaldent

Some toothpastes

Polishing pastes

Trident gum

Recaldent is derived from casein and may

be used to remineralize tooth structure.
Trident gum cannot be considered safe
for patients with a true milk allergy.

Egg allergies are also a potential issue

in the dental office and rank second
among the most common food
allergies present in children.

While the whites of an egg contain the

allergenic protein, patients with an
egg allergy must avoid all eggs
completely.

Nitrous oxide has a substance that is

molecularly structured like eggs and
reactions have been reported.
Propofol is usually received by patients
who are undergoing orofacial surgery,
also contains egg lecithin and egg yolk
phospholipids.