<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> June 7, 1998 Dear List: On June 4 I posted the following message (here digested:): No adverse reaction to Pina Colada flavor topical gel (Benzocaine 20%) manufactured by Sultan Topex. The rest was about a DDS sympathetic but mystified by my "excruciating pain due to the fact that massive doses of novocaine had absolutely no anesthetic effect." I recalled that previous postings on this list suggested alternatives to novacaine. Most of the replies this time were requests for information. The only info I have is from a previous exchange on the subject, and I summarize it below. I believe teeth and bone loss are a big area of concern/negative experience that celiacs face, and that dentists need to be encouraged to be sensitive to our needs and fears; and supportive of our determination to cope with complex realities, and our hard work at being healthy despite obstacles. " I had severe mercury poisoning from my dental amalgams, secondary to the CD (made me susceptible to the serious toxins in the fillings). I had them all removed and did a series of mercury detoxes through my naturopath... have your dentist use composite fillings now (Conquest is best for this, not porcelain which also ... I have the beginnings of gum recession from the CD, but with good periodontal care and flouride washes at home, I am told that I will avoid this trauma. ...ask your dentist to consult with a mercury-free clinic. My wonderful young dentist has a hot-line he calls whenever I stump him with one of my allergies or sensitivities." From earlier summary: "alternative to novocaine: mepergan(I believe the brand Weyth) and injections of citinest,some into the tooth....Mepergan is GF." "I am extremely allergic to all local anesthesia. You are right..it does not kill pain when you have this problem!!! It took me finally going into anaphalectic shock and also my heart stopped after surgery one time....some mouth surgery was canceled because they said that it is very rare for a person to be allergic to caines and usually was additives involved. ...there is a skin test for it now and in 8 years no one had a positive reaction. So with a little uneasiness i agreed to go to allergy dept to be tested. I WAS the first person they tested that had a positive reaction and it didnt take but three sticks. Now it is documented. Have your dr write a note documenting what happened to you because no one had done that for me before this test." Nancy in nyc