Question from Bonnie
Last year my dentist office had very strong smelling “natural” air freshner. They were using a small pulg in tabletop machine in each room that had a mist coming out of it. I think they said it was one of the eseential oils. I told them even the essential oils were harmful as I read it somewhere. The dentist said he would remove it if I could prove it was bad for chemical sensitivity, to send what I read. Do you have info I could send him? I have been going there about 20 years.
Lisa’s Answer
Here is an article I found referencing the problem. I’m not aware of any scientific “proof” but this does identify that it is an issue for sensitive people.
In a dentist’s office? It shows little regard or respect for those who may be asthmatic or have other health issues. 12 years ago I became ill upon entering my dentist office. I had been going there for years w/no problem. Unfortunately his wife now worked there and thought the office should smell pleasant. She put fragranced stuff everywhere. I went into the bathroom and noticed those scented sticks in a jar that are so toxic. My arm went numb and I was speaking “gibberish.” I noticed I became extremely aggressive. I told my hygienist I had to leave immediately. They never apologized. I never returned. I went there every 3 months for many many years! They didn’t miss me, I guess 🙁 Your dentist shows little regard for misting “natural” or synthetic fragrance into the air. Excuse me, don’t I have a right to get my teeth cleaned w/o being assaulted by fragranced mist? I’d find another dentist if he doesn’t quit using these mists.
Hi Bonnie, OMG I feel for you. Those essential oil diffusers are the worst! Natural or organic doesn’t matter, they both trigger all kinds of health issues including asthma, allergies, MCS, eye irritation, etc. A person might as well spray Fabreze into their face. Scent is such a gimmick; easy to sell. Years ago, my naturopath suggested I do a mix of the Young Living essential oils (a mix of 6 or 8 including herb essential oils like rosemary…) in our house to remove airborne molds from outside sources. They did nothing but stink up the rooms (we did air quality tests)…now I can’t consume the actual herbs anymore without symptoms. The smell never left many of our things so they ended getting thrown out.
Scent usually means someone is trying to cover up something. It never works. The original odor can still be detected along with the scent.
I’m sorry I don’t have the time to track down some resources and sources. Google CDC “fragrance-free office policies” and similar for Canada. I really hope a dental/medical practice has the kindness to remove these devices. I’m so fortunate to have found a dentist who understands how unhealthful scent is—I didn’t have to request this, it was their standard operating procedure. They even use unscented hand sanitizers. I’m crossing fingers the diffusers find a new home (even better, get returned to the place purchased).
Oops, I meant to suggest Googling: ADA MCS disability (and Environmental Illness). 🙂
Hi
I’ve not been able to go to the dentist for a few years now because of scented candles and scented plug ins. After repeatedly asking many local offices to go fragrance- free, I spoke directly to the American Dental Association and to the local dental association in my state about this issue. My argument is that dental offices should be fragrance free due to the fact keeping good oral hygiene is essential to good health and should remain fragrance free like doctor’s offices should be. I was told dentists are tying to have a “spa-like” feel now to ease anxieties and that a fragrance free policy was not a rule they hold.
I do know Kaiser medical buildings are fragrance free (even their bathrooms!) and I’ve heard their dental offices are too. Now I’m trying to get on their dental plan, maybe you can too. Hope this helps. Take care.
What kind of “spa” would emit toxic chemicals in their patient’s faces!? If I wanted to experience a spa, I’ll go to a spa. lol. Having your teeth done is not going to feel like a spa no matter what! Jeez! People are scent crazy ?