mercury treaty - Assure a Smile

Dentsply Urged to Cease Production of Toxic Dental Amalgam

Dentsply International, a leading supplier of many quality dental supplies and equipment, has been issued a wake-up call. At the end of last month, the organization was urged publicly to phase-out the production of dental amalgam, a toxic material known to contain upwards of 50% mercury content. The plea for the phase-out comes just months after 140 nations signed an international mercury treaty, agreeing to do their part in reducing the production, disposal, and adverse impact the material has on both the environment and dental patients. Now, 23 of the world’s leading health and environmental agencies, including Consumers for Dental Choice, have pressured the 2^nd largest amalgam producer in the United States to do the same.

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 Oz Show performed a demonstration that very clearly illustrated the toxic nature of the outdated silver fillings.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.