• Ladislav Kubeš
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    New research links tick bite allergy to ingredients in common dental products

    July 28, 2025
    New data shows that alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy caused by tick bites, may also trigger an adverse reaction in common dental products. But how?

    John Brooks, DDS, noticed a peculiar pattern in the case of dental patient Jeff Clayton after he reported three inexplicable allergic reactions within the span of two months. Clayton, whose reactions occurred after consuming beef, was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).1 AGS is a potentially fatal allergy to red meat—foods containing the alpha-gal molecule such as cows and pigs—that can develop after a tick bite.2

    When a tick transfers its saliva into the bloodstream, our immune systems identify the alpha-gal molecule as a threat and, therefore, trigger an allergic reaction.2 Lone star ticks are primarily the culprit for this as they are found nationwide-although most commonly in south and southeastern states.1 According to the CDC, the number of Americans diagnosed with alpha-gal has sparked rapidly over the last few years, with over 90,000 cases reported between 2017 and 2022.2

    But what does AGS have to do with dentistry?

    Alpha-gal and dental products

    Dr. Brooks, who works as a clinical professor in the department of oncology and diagnostic Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, began researching the topic after treating a patient with alpha-gal in 2022.1

    Five years prior, she was treated for a dental abscess and was prescribed doxycycline in gelatin capsules. Within 12 hours of taking the second dose, her throat began to itch and swell. As it turned out, the capsules she was taking were made with animal-based gelatin. Dr. Brooks began researching this topic and quickly noticed the absence of literature about alpha-gal and its connection to dentistry.

    He and his team launched an extensive investigation into common dental products that may trigger an allergic reaction in alpha-gal patients, combing the internet for ingredient lists on dental vendor sites and material safety data sheets. They even went to drugstores in-person to photograph product ingredients.

    According to Laura Lee, senior media relations specialist at the University of Maryland Baltimore, the research of Brooks and his team "revealed that common dental products could trigger life-threatening reactions, including hemostatic agents used to control bleeding during oral surgery, certain toothpastes and mouthwashes, bone graft materials, collagen-based dermal fillers, some suture materials, and medications in gelatin capsules."1

    Out of the five documented cases of alpha-gal reactions related to dental procedures Brooks' team discovered, four involved hemostatic agents and one involved gelatin capsules. However, all five patients required emergency treatment.1 Ultimately, oral health providers should be aware of AGS, , including its symptoms and side effects, to provide better patient care.

    More information from Dr. Brooks

    How can patients shop safely if many common drugstore dental products may trigger allergic reactions? Is there anything specific they should look out for when examining labels?

    "There are several websites that are available, at no cost, to ascertain whether a product contains ingredients that could promote an alpha-gal reaction. These include AccessGUDID, DailyMed, and Veganmed.org. Another source of information regarding alpha-gal syndrome and risk of exposure to certain pharmaceuticals and medical products is a pharmacist, particularly one at a compounding pharmacy. Everyone with alpha-gal syndrome must be extremely conscientious about ascertaining the ingredients, both active and inactive, before intake."

    Should dental professionals in climates where lone star ticks are less common be concerned about this issue? Is it worth bringing up to patients?

    "As the lone star tick is now a resident in all 50 states, it is warranted to wear protective clothing when in the woods to protect from any tick as well as from insect bites, and various plants that may promote hypersensitivity reaction."

    Generally, do you think dentists need to be more aware of patients' medical records/history? Do you think this aspect of patient care is downplayed during routine dental visits?

    "During the medical history taking, I would recommend oral health-care providers including alpha-gal syndrome when inquiring about one's allergy history. If a patient elicits a history of alpha-gal syndrome, it is important to ask the name of the suspected product, reaction severity, and management protocol. Up to the time of publication of our manuscript, there was a void of information regarding alpha-gal syndrome in dental literature. It is my hope that my work and this article will familiarize oral health-care providers with this uncommon hypersensitivity disorder and its risk factors."

    If you are interested in reading about Dr. Brooks' research more extensively, you can do so in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

    References

    1. Lee L. Study reveals hidden dangers at dentist office for tick bite allergy. University of Maryland Baltimore. July 9, 2025. https://www.umaryland.edu/news/archived-news/july-2025/study-reveals-hidden-dangers-at-dentist-office-for-tick-bite-allergy.php

    2. About alpha-gal syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 26, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/index.html

     

    About the Author

    Sarah Butkovic, MA, BA

    Sarah Butkovic, MA, BA, is an Associate Editor at Endeavor Business Media, where she works on creating and editing engaging and informative content for today's leading online dentistry publications. She holds a Master's English Language and Literature from Loyola University Chicago and is passionate about producing high-quality content that educates, inspires, and connects with readers.