Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition attributed to tick bites that causes allergic reactions to red meat and products derived from mammal, is on the rise. And although many people think it’s mainly a food allergy, patients may also experience reactions to dental products and medications that contain animal-derived ingredients.
An article recently published in The Journal of the American Dental Association examined studies, articles, and case reports from 1990 through 2024. It identified multiple products in the dental field that contain mammal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin, collagen, glycerin, glycerol, hydrogels and carrageenan. The products highlighted in the JADA article include artificial saliva substitutes, bone and gingival graft materials, chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinses, collagen dermal fillers, fluoride supplements, gelatin capsules, lip balms, mouth rinses, prophylaxis pastes, suture materials, toothpastes and tooth-whitening gels.*
“If a patient has alpha-gal syndrome, their dentist needs to be aware of the history of this condition and the results of previous medical consultations and thoroughly review their diagnosis and past triggers and reactions,” said Ashraf Fouad, D.D.S., chair of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. “Consulting with a patient’s allergist or immunologist can help dentists gain greater insight into their patient’s condition.”*
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that close to 500,000 people in the U.S. may be affected with alpha-gal syndrome. Alpha-gal is found in the saliva of some ticks, and when alpha-gal enters the bloodstream from a tick bite, it can trigger an immune system response to red meat. The body will then react as if red meat is harmful, causing an allergic reaction. Symptoms from those affected can range from mild to severe, and can be life-threatening. Those affected can experience skin reactions, gastrointestinal issues, heart palpitations, and even anaphylaxis.
Products such as gelatin, dairy products, and some medical products, medications and personal care items can also contain alpha-gal, if they come from mammals. But not everyone with the syndrome is affected by every product made from mammal. To further complicate matters, an individual’s reactions are often not consistent from one exposure to the next, so tracking what they react to can be challenging. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies are not required to disclose the presence of animal-derived ingredients on package inserts, making navigating this syndrome tricky for patients.
There is a resource available for patients and medical professionals – Pill Clarity – which highlights animal-free products. They identify dental products, including toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental flosses, as well as products used in dental practices, such as local anesthetics, desensitizing gels, pain relievers, sutures, and more. They offer valuable information about what products can present problems, as well as alternatives that are safe for alpha-gal patients, found at this link.
If you or a family member has alpha-gal, please let us know in advance so that we can discuss your treatment options with you. Call us in advance with any concerns, or to schedule an appointment at 479-751-9899.
*https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2025/september/dental-products-could-cause-allergic-reactions-in-patients-with-alpha-gal-syndrome/
