The cheapest and strongest dental filling material for cavities is silver, also called dental amalgam. This material is known to contain mercury, which is toxic to humans if exposed to in large enough quantities.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has been investigating the viability of using this material since 2002. On July 28th they made their definitive ruling.
FDA Issues Final Regulation on Dental Amalgam
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a final regulation classifying dental amalgam and its component parts – elemental mercury and a powder alloy—used in dental fillings. While elemental mercury has been associated with adverse health effects at high exposures, the levels released by dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm in patients.
The regulation classifies dental amalgam into Class II (moderate risk). By classifying a device into Class II, the FDA can impose special controls (in addition to general controls such as good manufacturing practices that apply to all medical devices regardless of risk) to provide reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device.
The FDA cautions using amalgam if you are allergic to mercury; do you know if you are allergic to mercury? If you find out you are allergic after you have fillings put in, isn’t that a bit defeatist? You risk going through the pain and suffering of an allergic reaction to mercury, which you did not know you had.
Mercury can enter your body through two main sources: eating fish, or using dental amalgam. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) provides a complete explanation of mercury exposure. This includes thermometers, barometers, and thermostats.
The FDA may have capitulated to the dental community to the detriment of the public’s health by their mild ruling on mercury fillings. You must determine for yourself whether you want to risk exposure. Hopefully your dentist will provide suitable alternatives for your dental needs.
The ADA (American Dental Association) describes the material choices for tooth repair. Some of the new materials are ceramics (porcelain), and polymer compounds. The old materials such as gold and base metal alloys are still good.
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Comments
There is no such thing as a mercury allergy, no more than there would be an allergy to arsenic or lead. People are poisoned by all, if their bodies become overwhelmed by the toxin and can no longer excrete the heavy metal. The FDA is hiding behind "allergies" when they know full well that dentists have been poisoning people with the blessings of the ADA for 170 years. Consumers need to know the FDA ("Fool and Drug" Association) is not out to protect them. See the book "The Rise of Tyranny" by constitutional lawyer Jonathan Emord, who has won more cases against the FDA than any other attorney. For information on how to avoid toxic dentistry contact DAMS, Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions at 651-644-4572 or www.amalgam.org for an info packet. It is very dangerous to go to the dentist if you have existing mercury fillings. There are so many ways he can poison you just receiving standard dental care. See www.MercuryPoisoned.com/three.html. Research before your next trip to your dentist.
When I need a filing, because I haven't brushed or flossed well enough, or because I've eaten the foods which turn into sugars in my body, my dentist says:
Name your poison. All filings are dangerous or have dangerous components. With the silver-mercury amalgam, it is obviously the neurotoxin mercury, and I am so thankful that all the amalgams have fallen out of my mouth over the years. Some have been replaced with gold crowns on molars, but they are gone.
Other filings of concern include the porcelain because the cement is epoxy of Bisphenol A, a known endocrine disruptor, alike mercury.
BPA has been linked to breast cancer in animals and human cell cultures, prostate cancer, and other dangers. Just because FDA says it is safe, does not mean that it is.
The FDA is made up of allies from the food and drug industries it is suppose to regulate. As is, it controls the information given to the public about dangerous procedures and pharmaceuticals.
No filing component
Hi Marie Flower and Becca Snow and thank you both for your comments.
You both bring up excellent points and have brought important information to add to the mix. I think we are all on the same page and realize that the dental medical world (FDA, ADA, etc.) are not really safeguarding our health, but exploiting it.
Each of us is responsible for our own health, so knowledge is the key.
Cheers!
Marie,
There are such things as mercury allergies and I am a proven case! I have suffered from a severe blood disorder that has been proven to be caused by an allergy to mercury. It started with dental fillings, but went undetected until I received a flu shot and had a reaction to the themerasol. I was tested and waas found to have a true allergy. I have recently had a relapse from exposure to the mercury vapors from a broken fluorescent bulb. You are correct that mercury is a dangerous toxin for all, but it is particularly scary for those of us who are truly allergic!
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