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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Assure a Smile is excited to announce the news that the United States Federal government has officially called for the phasing-out of dental amalgam. The U.S. is aiming to reduce the use of this highly toxic metallic element in cooperation with the World Mercury Treaty, the newest of global environmental initiatives headed by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and
The Miami Dentist Blog has covered heavy metal toxins before. These metallic chemicals are everywhere, and we ingest them more frequently then we think. To make matters worse, heavy metals accumulate in the body. Over time, this accumulation may lead to serious health conditions.
Research that points to serious health problems associated with mercury fillings continues to accumulate, building tension among health professionals and patients nationwide. Though the American Dental Association does not recommend having silver amalgam fillings removed, international authorities differ in opinion. With the recent dental amalgam ban in Costa Mesas, California, Americans are revisiting the potential poisonous nature of traditional silver fillings.
Free radicals are increasingly being linked with several diseases, including heart disease. Lowering the level of free radicals in your body is a crucial first step towards increasing overall health. Two powerful measures you can take to lower the amount of free radicals in your body include ingesting plenty of antioxidants and regularly implementing heavy metal detoxification strategies.