Leaders from around the world have officially signed an agreement that will phase-out the use of mercury, an extremely hazardous neurotoxin that is still being used in a variety of production processes and medical products, including silver dental fillings.
Named the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the treaty is a big victory for environmentalists, health professionals, and consumers worldwide as it lays the foundation needed to cease mercury use and ensure its ethical and safe disposal.
Read more about the Minamata Treaty, and watch the video below to see representatives from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) speak at this historical event.
Minamata Treaty: A ‘Win’ for Mercury Free Dentistry
Mercury free dentistry saw a big victory this winter as governments from around the world met in Japan to sign the Minamata Treaty. First advanced by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) in January of this year, the Minamata Treaty binds more than 140 countries in an agreement to phase-out the use of mercury in everything from production processes, like mining, to consumer products, like light bulbs and dental fillings.
Watch the video below to see Ms. Anita Tibau address the Minamata Convention on behalf of the IAOMT.
The Danger of Mercury in Dental Fillings
Silver dental fillings pose a significant health risk because they are manufactured with up to 50% or more mercury content. However, an overwhelming number of scientific studies show that the mercury content of silver fillings has the potential to be extremely hazardous to human health. In 2013, the subject of mercury, dental fillings, and patient health took the national spotlight as popular talk shows and news stations began spreading awareness for the danger of silver fillings.
Perhaps most viewed was a national segment on the Dr. Oz Show, in which a live demonstration was performed to show viewers how silver fillings can slowly release toxic mercury vapor. Readers may visit Doctoroz.com to view this special segment, Toxic Teeth: Are Mercury Fillings Making You Sick?
Tasteless and odorless, mercury vapor is inhaled by unsuspecting patients and steadily absorbed into the bloodstream. Since that special, Americans cannot help but wonder why a reported 50 million or more procedures are performed each year with these silver colored “mercury fillings.”
Side Effects of Mercury Fillings
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the side effects of mercury vapor inhalation include:
- Nervous system damage that may lead to physical disability
- Visual impairment
- Phantom sensations (“pins and needles” in the extremities)
- Impaired physical coordination and mobility
- Impaired ability to speak, hear, and walk
- Muscular weakness
The EPA goes on to warn that mercury exposure is particularly devastating to unborn children. For mothers who have silver fillings, mercury from dental amalgam, shellfish, and other known sources may “adversely affect a baby’s growing brain and nervous system.”
Miami Specialists Offer Mercury Filling Removal and Replacement
With more than 25 years experience as a leading bio-compatible and mercury-free dental practice, Assure A Smile is pleased to offer expert mercury filling removal and replacement procedures. We specialize in safe mercury filling removal and ethical, Eco-conscious disposal to ensure the long-term health of the patient, dental team, and environment.
To learn more about holistic dentistry in Miami, readers are invited to call our friendly front desk directly at 305-274-0047. Readers may also visit the following page to learn more about mercury filling removal in Miami.
