Dangers of Mercury Fillings, Who Is At Risk
What are the dangers of mercury fillings called amalgam? Find out who is most at risk from mercury in their fillings and follow the checklist to go about getting your amalgam fillings removed safely.
Do Dentists Still Fill Teeth With Mercury?
Cavities are filled with mercury fillings. They are composed of a variety of metals, but typically have a mercury content of 50% by weight.
These amalgam fillings leak mercury, which is harmful to your dental health as well as your kidneys, liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and brain.
The traditional dental profession has come up with far kinder ways to describe what they’re putting in dental patients’ mouths because the word “mercury” is appropriately linked with toxicity.
Other names for mercury fillings include:
Mercury amalgam fillings, silver fillings, silver amalgam fillings, amalgam fillings.
Do dentists still use mercury fillings? Yes, dentists still use mercury fillings. They are most likely the preferred filling as they are cheap and easy to use.
Mercury fillings have been around for more than 150 years in the US, but ever since they were first used, they have generated debate.
The only US dentistry association at the time declared the use of mercury fillings to be malpractice when dental amalgam was first introduced as by the middle of the 1800s, methylmercury poisoning was becoming lethal.
The American Dental Association (ADA) was then established. Since then, they have defended the questionable usage of dental amalgam, which unquestionably puts many people’s health at risk.
Choose a “mercury-free” dentist who can fill your cavity with a mercury substitute, such as porcelain or composite fillings, rather than using dental amalgam. In this manner, you avoid perhaps subjecting yourself to mercury toxicity’s negative effects.
What is the mercury content of amalgam/silver fillings?
Amalgam/silver fillings have approximately 50% elemental mercury by weight.
When did mercury stop being used in fillings? The vast majority of dentists have never stopped using mercury in fillings. In the United States, dental amalgam is still used by roughly half of all dentists as a low-cost dental filling material.
Dental amalgam, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), “contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper, and tin, in addition to mercury.” As if “in addition to” would minimise the massive amount of mercury inserted into patients’ teeth!
What exactly is dental amalgam? The following is a rough breakdown of low-copper amalgam: 50% mercury 22-32% silver 14% tin 8% zinc and other trace metals
Dangers of Amalgam Fillings
More and more evidence is emerging that suggests amalgam fillings may cause mercury toxicity or poisoning in some people.
The most common source of mercury exposure in humans is amalgam fillings. According to autopsy studies, bodies with amalgam fillings have 2-12 times the levels of mercury in their skin as bodies without amalgam fillings.
Can mercury fillings harm your health? The following health conditions have been linked to amalgam fillings by scientific evidence:
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (AKA Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Anxiety
- Appetite loss
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cardiovascular issues
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Depression
- Endocrine disruption
- Gingivitis
- Hallucinations
- Headaches
- Hearing loss
- Insomnia
- Kidney issues
- Liver issues
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nervous system issues
- Oral cancer
- Oral lichen planus
- Parkinson’s disease
- Miscarriage or newborn death
- Periodontal disease
- Reproductive dysfunction/infertility
- Respiratory issues
- Restless leg syndrome
- Suicidal ideation
- Thyroid disorders
- Tremors
- Weight loss
Why are amalgam fillings still used?
Amalgam fillings are still used because they are inexpensive and long-lasting, despite the fact that many people have reported adverse effects from mercury exposure from amalgam fillings.
1. Amalgam fillings are inexpensive, often hundreds of dollars less expensive than other filling materials.
2. Mercury is both strong and malleable, easily conforming to the shape of your tooth.
3. Mercury has antibacterial properties. Amalgam fillings actually kill bacteria in their vicinity and can help to prevent the spread of tooth decay in the tooth structure to which they are attached.
4. Because many people never have negative health effects from amalgam fillings, most governments and health agencies still consider them safe to use.
What do the government and health agencies have to say about mercury fillings?
• The ADA declares amalgam to be “valuable, viable, and safe.” (It’s worth noting that the ADA’s research arm used to hold two dental amalgam patents.)
• According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dental amalgam is safe for anyone over the age of six.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that amalgam restorations contribute to low levels of mercury exposure.
• According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dental offices that dispose of dental amalgam are the leading source of mercury in sewage treatment plants.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the small amount of mercury in dental amalgam causes health problems. “Exposure to mercury – even in small amounts – may cause serious health problems,”,
• The European Union has prohibited the use of mercury fillings in children under the age of 15, as well as pregnant or nursing women. Several European countries are planning to outlaw mercury fillings entirely in the coming years.
Who is most at risk from mercury fillings?
• Children under the age of 15
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Bruxers (those who grind their teeth)
• People with MTHFR mutations
• Older people who have had amalgam fillings for a long time
• Those who are already regularly exposed to heavy metals (such as those who work with industrial mercury) (electromagnetic frequencies)
Chewing, drinking hot liquids, and even brushing your teeth increase the amount of mercury released into your body.
According to research, dentists, dental students, and dental personnel who work with this type of mercury are also at risk of dangerous mercury levels.
Do you need your amalgam fillings removed?
Yes, if your dentist examines your specific case and determines it is prudent, you should have your amalgam fillings removed. That’s the straightforward answer.
On a case-by-case basis, dental professionals should make this decision with their patients. The problem with removing mercury-based restorative material is that the act of removing it may expose you to more mercury than leaving it in if strict safety protocols and additional mercury capture and mercury protection are not utilised.
If any of the following apply, consult your mercury-safe holistic dentist about having your fillings removed:
• You have high mercury levels in your blood.
• You have adverse effects from mercury exposure (insomnia, muscle weakness, dizziness, mood swings, headaches, tremors, etc.)
• You have had or may have had mercury fillings for many decades.
Should you get your mercury fillings removed?
Yes, mercury fillings should be removed if your dentist has examined your situation and determined that it is necessary.
If you have known allergic reactions, chronic health issues, or detectable mercury levels, removing amalgam fillings may support to alleviate your issues.
If you need mercury fillings removed, go to a “mercury-safe” functional dentist who uses the SMART method of mercury removal.
After your mercury fillings are removed, you should compare your post-op mercury levels to your pre-op levels, limit your fish intake for a while, and follow a detox diet.
Amalgam Removal Dentist Brisbane
The team of Evolve Dental Healing Brisbane Holistic Dentist is knowledgeable and highly trained in the treatment of Safe Amalgam Removal.
Dr Rachel Hall, Brisbane Holistic Dentist, is a dental expert with 30 years of experience. She has extensive experience in providing holistic dentistry, safe amalgam removal, and cosmetic dental services.
We offer state-of-the-art technology and dentistry with a difference where your total health is as important as your smile.
Want to replace your amalgam mercury fillings, book an appointment with Evolve Amalgam Removal Dentist Brisbane 07 3720 1811
-
Dr. Rachel Hall
Rachel is the founder and principal dentist at Evolve Dental Healing with over 30 years experience, practising holistically since 2001. Not your typical dentist, Rachel is a passionate opinion leader, challenging convention to empower people to make better dental and health choices, helping thousands to have healthy natural smiles. A respected writer and presenter on holistic dentistry, health and wellness it is Rachel’s mission to revolutionise the way people look at their dental health.
