The Mercury Filling Debate…

by The Bell Center

The history of Mercury being used as a dental filling material dates back as early as the seventh century. Dentists in those early days noted that this mysterious silvery liquid from cinnabar ore was quite volatile and unstable on its own and turning to vapor when mildly heated. However, when combined with a few other metals, such as silver, copper and trace amounts of zinc, a silver paste was created which quite efficiently filled a cavity — the hole created in a tooth when decay is drilled out.

By the 1830’s, use of mercury/silver fillings was becoming common-place throughout Europe and North America. Before the discovery of mercury/silver fillings, more expensive and difficult to use materials, i.e. cement, gold, lead or tin foil were utilized. Dental procedures were only performed on wealthy aristocrats who could afford the expensive products. With the easy to mix, inexpensive mercury/silver paste, dental procedures became available to the greater populous and the dental profession soared with this wonderful new invention; however, it did not come without its problems. Even back then, doctors and dentists were aware of the effects of mercury exposure. Men who worked in the cinnabar mines were often afflicted with nervous system disorders, such as dementia and loss of motor control. This worried the dental professionals and the problem in proving the mercury danger was, that symptoms of mercury toxicity were often not evident until years after the initial exposure.

Advocates of mercury fillings argued that combining mercury with copper, silver, and zinc deemed it biologically inactive, making it harmless. They further argued that the natural tooth would encase the mercury, not allowing it out and the body could process the minute amount in a single filling. With this argument and little or no complaints from patients, dentists continued to use mercury in great numbers until 1845.

By 1845, members of the American Society of Dental Surgeons (the leading authority in Dentistry from 1700’s–1850) had been studying the effects of mercury exposure in dental patients from 1830-1845. The doctors of ASDS were becoming increasingly concerned that exposure to mercury caused nervous system problems like dementia and loss of motor coordination as well as a host of other symptoms. Due to this concern The ASDA and some of its affiliates discontinued use of mercury based fillings for almost 10 years, even going so far as to fine dentists still using the materials.

The advocates of mercury, however, pressed on and formed independent groups researching the safety of the material. Unfortunately, the advocates appealed to the masses, offering them inexpensive, seemingly safe dental work. They touted this wonderful material as an alternative to tooth loss and tooth decay and convinced people mercury was safe.

The American Dental Association formed in 1859 when the American Society of Dental Surgeons disbanded after a long hard struggle of opposition to mercury fillings. 

What about “amalgam” fillings? This is just another name for mercury/silver fillings. This term is commonly used to refer to a mixture of metals consisting of at least 50% mercury, 35% silver, 9% tin, 6% copper and trace amounts of zinc. 

Amalgam fillings have a sustained release of mercury and other metals which seep into the body. Mercury, even in trace amounts causes damage to the cells due to its’ extreme toxicity.

This toxicity from mercury and other metals in the amalgam range from but not limited to: kidney malfunctions psychological problems like depression, anxiety, memory loss, and irritability. Cardiovascular problems such as anemia, heart attack, and high blood pressure because the mercury can disrupt oxygenation of the blood. We also see central nervous system problems due to the mercury attacking important nerve cells in the brain that control motor functions. The list is of harm to the body is almost endless. Mercury effects every single cell in the body, thus effecting every major tissue and organ system. The more mercury fillings one has, the more likely one is to see multiple, exacerbated symptoms.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

One of the first steps is to test your toxicity levels through blood, urine, hair, or Rita (electronic) testing.

Next take steps to remove all mercury. Obviously, the more mercury the more serious the situation. Some fillings are leakier than others and should be removed first. Because teeth are porous they have the ability to absorb or excrete materials. That is why teeth stain from coffee or wine.

Correct removal of mercury is extremely important because removed incorrectly can do more harm than good. The process involves four steps:

Step 1. The use of a rubber damn to prevent materials or bacteria from entering the body.

Step 2. The use of a specialized vacuum system to pull volatile vapors from the air during drilling.

Step 3. The placement of a chelating formula which continuously pulls mercury from the body and allows the body to excrete it.

Step 4. Use a dentist specially trained in mercury filling removal.

The effects of mercury toxicity are long lasting and removing mercury fillings does not detox your body completely. Following the filling extraction, levels of mercury will continue to drop as the chelating formula goes to work but often times, patients still need to go through mercury detox with a trained Osteopath to complete the process. In many patients, raised mercury levels are noted even years after the fillings are replaced.

Did you know that 92% of dentists are still placing mercury amalgam fillings? Over 100 million mercury amalgam fillings were placed in 2002 and the numbers remain high. Oddly enough, the FDA has never approved the mercury amalgam mixture. The FDA only has to approve the materials individually. Mercury, in small amounts is approved. Silver is approved. Copper is approved and tin is approved. The materials are not combined completely until they are mixed into a paste in the dentist’s office prior to placement. 

Millions are being poisoned by their own mouths every day. The only way to protect yourself is to do the research and make informed decisions about you health. Have yourself tested for mercury toxicity. Maybe some of the unexplainable symptoms you have are not unexplainable at all. What about that rash that just won’t go away or the unexplainable depression or anxiety. Do you have a relative with Alzheimer’s, or heart disease, or kidney problems? How many mercury fillings do you, or your children have? There is no way to know how or when it will effect your health. The only way to prevent it from harming you is to have it removed and replaced correctly. Find a dentist trained in mercury removal and take a step toward better health today. 

For information call Molly, 702-256-7666.