NATURAL RUBBER LATEX ALLERGY IN ORTHODONTICS

Abstract

Natural rubber latex, which comes from the sap of rubber trees, contains a number of proteins
that can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Exposure to latex allergens
through skin contact, ingestion or inhalation during orthodontic treatment can induce immune
responses that range from minor skin irritation to potentially more severe reactions such as
anaphylaxis, which could result in death. The following article reviews diagnosis,
management, and prevention of incidences of latex allergy during orthodontic treatment.