05 June 2008

Mercury in your Amalgam

How many of you have mercury in your dental amalgams?


"Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses," the FDA said in a notice on its Web site.

"Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner," the agency said.

The FDA said it did not recommend that people who currently have mercury fillings get them removed. [Reuters, 4 June 2008]

For years, there was an argument among experts if mercury in dental amalgams caused harmful effects in the body. There were those who dismissed it all as some form of "mercury toxicity scam," and there were advocacy groups like those of lawyer Charles Brown (yes, that's his real name!) who feel elated today with the FDA's forthcoming classification of mercury amalgam.

The FDA website says that "when amalgam fillings are placed in teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor," and this vapor may have neurotoxic effects on the body especially those who are pregnant and in children. The full text is here.

In the Philippines, I believe there are thousands who have this mercury dental fillings in their teeth. Price is the reason why, I guess. The other alternative dental fillings like porcelain, gold, and resin composites are usually more expensive.

2 reactions:

rolly said...

"In the Philippines, I believe there are thousands who have this mercury dental fillings in their teeth."

Then, we should have an idea of whether or not the mercury toxicity scam is true or not, shouldn't we? What do I know anyway, hehe

Anonymous said...

oh wow thanks for this information I really learned a lot and if ever i will not let any mercury fillings