Tooth enamel dust as an asthma stimulus. A case report

A case report of a first-year dental student with asthma, who experienced exacerbation of symptoms and a severe asthmatic crisis in the course of her preclinical dental training, is presented. Dust generated as a result of preparing natural teeth triggered the bronchoconstrictive response. Her subsequent medical and preventive measures are cited. This case identifies, for the first time, enamel dust as an asthma stimulus, thus serving as a precaution to prospective dental students and personnel afflicted with the disease and emphasizing the importance of effective face masks in dental laboratories during dust-generating procedures.