How Mercury Causes Thyroid Damage
Thyroid conditions affect approximately 30 million Americans, half of whom [...]
New Film Exposes the Truth Behind Mercury Dental Fillings
Not only are silver fillings dangerous for patients, exposure to mercury is also toxic for everyone in the office when they are attending to a patient with silver amalgams. In fact, toxic exposure during routine dental procedures violates many workplace safety laws. An astonishing 170,000 dentists across the United States still work with amalgams while refusing to acknowledge the harm they are imposing on their patients, their staff, and themselves. Most of this is due to erroneous claims that amalgams don’t release mercury. Watch the trailer here!
European Commission Recommends Mercury-Free Dental Fillings
As most holistic dentists recognize, amalgam fillings are extremely harmful to the human body. But, it’s taken a long time for the general health system to promote the removal and ban of silver amalgam fillings, even though the side effects are proven to be detrimental to patients’ health. The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) said that when it comes to children and pregnant patients, “alternative materials to amalgam should be the first choice.” Read more on how to eliminate mercury toxins from your mouth and life.
EPA Proposes More Eco-Friendly Disposal of Mercury Fillings
This October, we saw an exciting victory for the Consumers for Dental Choice campaign against the use of dangerous and potentially toxic dental amalgam (silver fillings). Now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new rule that will require all dental offices to use amalgam separators when performing procedures involving mercury-rich dental amalgam. In addition to acknowledging the inherent danger of dental amalgam, the EPA’s proposal also aims to reduce mercury pollution by requiring dental offices to more carefully capture, contain, and dispose of the hazardous metallic debris.
Measurably Misleading: The Danger of Silver Fillings
According to a new poll by Zogby Research Services, only about 1 in 10 patients are told by their dentist that dental amalgam (silver fillings) contains a potentially harmful level of liquid mercury (i). It’s estimated that over 1 billion teeth have been restored with dental amalgam worldwide, presenting a serious health concern for the patient, the environment, and the general world population.
Mercury Poisoning from Dental Fillings
Worldwide, it’s estimated that more than 180 million people have teeth the have been repaired with some sort of dental restorative material. In total, that’s a staggering 1.4 billion teeth. From the 1950s through present day, one of the most common dental restoratives has always been dental amalgam. Often called “silver fillings,” this metallic mixture is prepared with up to 50% or more liquid mercury. Poisoning from these “mercury fillings” is a risk that holistic dental professionals are quick to warn patients about, even though agencies like the American Dental Association refuse to formally acknowledge any potential health problems associated with their use. At Assure A Smile, we take a holistic approach to dentistry that focuses on both oral health and total body wellness. We believe patients should be educated about mercury poisoning, dental amalgam, and the long-term health risks associated with silver fillings.
Misconceptions About Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on making positive changes to the teeth and oral tissues. Unfortunately, patients sometimes see cosmetic dental procedures as unnatural, artificial, or unnecessary. An overwhelming amount of research suggests otherwise, indicating that cosmetic procedures can actually spur far-reaching improvements in holistic health. It's easy to see how cosmetic enhancements like bonds, dental implants, and orthodontics improve the structure, alignment, and physical health of the mouth. But studies also show cosmetic procedures help patients to live healthier and happier lives by providing less obvious improvements to mental and emotional well being.
Minamata Treaty Promises Global Ban on Mercury Dental Fillings
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.
Mercury Treaty May Mean the End of Toxic Dental Amalgam
Dental amalgam made headlines in early March when the Dr. Oz Show performed a demonstration that very clearly illustrated the toxic nature of the outdated silver fillings. Broadcasted on national television, the demonstration showed that silver fillings could leak odorless, extremely toxic mercury vapor when brushed by a normal toothbrush. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and holistic dentistry professionals are celebrating a new victory in the fight against toxic fillings, however. This year, more than 140 nations have signed into effect an international mercury treaty that lays the groundwork for an eventual “phasing out” of this dangerous material.
Are Mercury Fillings Safe?
Groups like the American Medical Association and the FDA that advocate the use of mercury fillings, also known as silver fillings or amalgam, acknowledge that mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can cause neurological problems, but they still insist that it is safe to use as a tooth filling for cavities. These fillings release mercury vapor each time a person chews on them, causing the body to inhale and absorb this toxic vapor. Eighty percent of this vapor accumulates in the body’s tissues because the body is unable to effectively excrete it.