Dental Dangers

Dentist offices can be hazardous to the health of a chemically-sensitive person. Prior to making the appointment, call and interview the receptionist to find out office protocol and safety. Be very clear about your fragrance-free and chemical-free needs. Don't take anything for granted and assume the receptionist and staff are clueless until they prove otherwise. Here are some potential office toxins and questions to ask before you make your first appointment:

Do staff members wear perfumes, colognes, scented hand lotions or other toxic products? Some dental offices have fragrance-free standards because being scent-free is a medical protocol, but some are managed as if it's still the 1960s. If they indicate they don't have a clue, don't waste your time trying to educate them.

Does the office use air fresheners in any capacity? Plug-in type or aerosol? I knew of one dental hygienist who sprayed her chair after each patient because she didn't want a patient's body odor offending others. It's a high stress area so people sweat!

Appointments: What day is the slowest with the least amount of patients? What time of day is the slowest? They can't help it if their patients stink so it's best to avoid them if possible. I have found a mid-week, first appointment of the day to be the best, however, be aware of commuter traffic issues and automobile exhaust air pollution.

How do they sterilize their equipment? Do they use chemicals, steam under pressure (autoclaving), or dry heat? What about disinfectants? At what time during the day do they do this? Most often this is done at the end of the day so make your appointment accordingly.

Are scented, latex gloves used? Do they have unscented and/or non-latex options available? Any other secretly scented supplies?

What is required: examination, cleaning, and/or x-rays? Most offices will require an exam and x-ray with every annual appointment. Do you want to be radiated that often? Thyroid cancer is on the rise and the causation theory is dental x-rays. Chemicals can zap our thyroids anyway - no need to help it along. The justification for requiring x-rays is liability, but enlightened dentists will allow their patients to sign waivers stating as the patient you have opted not to get x-rays unless there are obvious symptoms or problems that need a more a in-depth check. These offices will want copies of past x-rays so they have some information on your tooth structure and anatomy. If the office doesn't give you the option of a radiation-free visit, don't settle. Keep looking. In my opinion, it has less to do with liability than profits. There is a lot of money to be made requiring unnecessary x-rays and if insurance is willing to pay, why not make it a requirement?

After each patient use, do they wash off the lead protective coverings that shield your thyroid from x-ray radiation? Be aware of perfume residue left from the previous patient.

With cleaning comes scented and flavored polish. Is polish required? This may be included in the cleaning cost or an added expense so by opting out, you could save some money. In addition, some offices have the option of flavorless and scent-free pumice. I've never had a dental office require polish, but they usually argue with me when I refuse it as if it's the best part of the whole appointment. Not sure why.

Do they use mercury for amalgam material? Do they remove mercury amalgams? What are their safety protocols? If you opt to have amalgams removed, ask about the replacement material. Some composites made with plastics can be just as problematic.

 

Make sure your questions are answered and your needs are clear BEFORE your appointment so you are not liable if something goes wrong. If you go in, have a reaction and have to leave, a lot of offices will charge you for the last minute cancellation.

These are the basics, but other poisonous substances may be lurking anywhere unbeknown to the MCSer until it's too late. For instance, magazines in the waiting room will often have perfume-scented inserts. Bring your own reading material and sit in the far corner.

 

I didn't go to a dentist for eight years and finally found one that was fragrance-free. It was a long, hard search for one so enlightened. They were fine with no polish, but they required x-rays every other visit. So I continued my search and found one who was fragrance-free AND didn't require x-rays! Health-minded dentists are rare, but do exist. Someday they will be the norm rather than the exception.

What are your experiences? Did I miss anything?