If you have a good number of dark silver color amalgam fillings in your teeth from a previous cavity, you could be suffering from chronic mercury toxicity. Symptoms may include emotional instability, inability to concentrate, mental depression, manic depression, tremors/trembling of hands, insomnia, Myasthenia Gravis, numbness and tingling, loss of memory, Multiple Sclerosis, motor neuron disease, etc. Mercury is one of the most toxic substances to the brain and the entire nervous system. A Study by University of Calgary showed in this video just how toxic is mercury to the nerves under the microscope. Many of us had it put in our mouth in our younger days in school or the military. It is cheaper and more durable but the question we did not know how to ask was “Is it safe?” Have you asked your dentist?
What are the pros and cons of amalgam and white composite fillings? According to Dr Glecos the advantages of amalgam fillings:
- are they are economical
- More durable
- can be used in situations that are not ideal
He also said the white composite non-amalgam fillings:
- can be very sensitive
- need a certain environment to be used;
- they cost more and not as durable.
Dental amalgam is about 50% liquid mercury and 50% a combination of alloy powder (metals composed of silver, tin, copper and others). Many years ago when I asked my dentist friends (I have several) they all assured me the amalgam fillings are very stable and the mercury vapors if any were released are so miniscule it will not be toxic to my body. Well, incidentally one of them also believed chiropractic is quackery, so go figure! Should you listen to your dentists? I am definitely not the expert in this area so I will give you 3 references about amalgam leeching mercury vapors from you teeth.
Here are the references to help you answer if amalgam really release mercury vapors? Are Dental Amalgam Fillings Safe? Do your own research.
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has been trying to tell the public what the American Dental Association would not tell. Their mission is to promote their research for the last 30 years that they have “proven beyond a reasonable doubt that dental amalgam is a source of significant mercury exposure, and a hazard to health.” Yes they knew this for 30 years but most of us today still have no clue. This truth has been controversial and probably still is. Often times the truth is not popular. Watch IAOMT videos on their website and the classic one below on the “Smoking Teeth.”
Did you know that the vapors released from the amalgam are so toxic your dentist is required by the World Health Organization to dispose them as hazardous when removed from your mouth! According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA on dental amalgam, they say when amalgam fillings are placed in or removed from teeth, they can release a small amount of mercury vapor. Amalgam can also release small amounts of mercury vapor during chewing, and people can absorb these vapors by inhaling or ingesting them. High levels of mercury vapor exposure are associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidneys.
Dr Oz during his show in March 2013 aired a segment on Toxic Teeth. The folks at the American Dental Association are not happy with Dr Oz for exposing the truth about leaching mercury from your amalgam fillings. It caused quite a stir and the ADA issued a statement to refute the segment. Watch Dr Oz 3 part video series and see what you think.
So what are you going to do about this information depends on whether you have mercury fillings or not. Questions about removing or even putting in amalgam in your teeth may raise some questions in your mind:
- How many fillings do I need to make a decision to remove ?
- Do you have mercury poison symptoms?
- Can you afford to removed them and replace them with composite, ceramic or gold?
- Can I find a dentist who is trained to properly use proper care and equipment to remove amalgam fillings?
- How much toxin is too much?
- How should I decide for my child when they have a tooth filling?
- If it is so toxic why are dentist still using amalgam filling on their patients?
Obvious we don’t have all the answers. If you have any thoughts or experience or recommendation do share!
Wow didn’t know silver fillings could affect our health! Is there anything we can do to minimize the effect if you can’t remove them?