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Do You Have Mercury in Your Mouth?


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Do You Have Mercury in Your Mouth?

What is the difference between mercury-free dentistry and mercury-safe dentistry?

By Tom Zyvoloski

Many people underestimate the health risks of mercury. They know it’s in tuna, and some know it's in their silver amalgam fillings. However, most people are unaware that there is no safe level of mercury exposure. Mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium, or even arsenic. It is the most toxic, non-radioactive element on Earth. Just one atom of mercury is harmful to the body, and the most significant source of mercury exposure might already be in your mouth.

Is the single most significant source of mercury exposure in your mouth?

Mercury makes up to 50 percent of silver dental amalgam fillings, containing silver, copper, and tin. Not only are they the single greatest source of mercury exposure, but silver/amalgam continuously releases poisonous mercury vapor. When removed without any precautions, a dental patient can be exposed to large amounts of mercury vapor, which could lead to the health complications described below.


A close-up example of a tooth with an amalgam filling.


What is the difference between mercury-free dentistry and mercury-safe dentistry?

Currently, many dental offices have become mercury-free.  Mercury-free means the dental office does not offer silver amalgam fillings as part of its dental services.  However, a mercury-safe dental office takes the health concerns associated with mercury several steps further.  A mercury-safe office does not offer silver dental amalgams, and more importantly, if an old silver amalgam needs to be removed, it ensures that it is done safely.  Most people assume that having a silver amalgam filling removed poses no health safety concerns, but how it is removed is essential. Having a silver amalgam filling removed can expose a person to mercury levels at least 1,000 times the World Health Organization’s safe level of exposure. However, mercury exposure can be significantly reduced when this procedure is performed in a mercury-safe environment.

What is Mercury-Safe Amalgam Removal?

When mercury fillings are removed, outgassing occurs during the grinding process because of the heat and friction. If not managed properly, this can be hazardous to both the patient and the dentist. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) has a list of safety guidelines for removing old mercury fillings.

IAOMT Mercury-Safe Amalgam Removal Procedures may include:

  •  Placing a rubber dam to isolate the tooth from the rest of the mouth
  •  Putting the patient on pure oxygen to ensure clean air intake
  •  Utilizing a high-tech air purifier to suck in the mercury vapor for proper disposal
  •  Operating a vacuum system at maximum efficiency
  •  Applying copious amounts of water to the filling during removal
  •  Removing the amalgam in large segments to minimize the generation of mercury vapor and amalgam particulate
  •  Providing the patient and dental staff with a mercury-free source of air
  •  Protecting the environment with approved mercury recycling equipment

 

What kind of technology is used for mercury-safe dentistry?

 

Because mercury's harmful properties are released as vapors, mercury-safe dentistry uses high-tech air purification systems designed to sit close to the mouth area and suck out mercury vapor so a patient doesn’t inhale it during the procedure. Many mercury-safe offices also feature air ionization systems to further purify the air.

 

What are the health risks of having mercury in my body?

 

Mercury in amalgam fillings can be linked to a variety of health complications including dysfunction in the immune system, multiple sclerosis, kidney ailments, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, reproductive issues, cardiovascular problems, absorption of heavy metals in the brain, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, antibiotic resistance, hearing loss, and a myriad of other health problems, according to a “The Toxic Effects of The Mercury in Dental Amalgam Fillings on The Environment and Human Health”, a fact sheet prepared by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).

 

Does mercury have side effects on women and children?

 

Mercury’s dangerous effects on women and children have been well documented, and the governments of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have already banned mercury fillings in Dentistry, the IAOMT report said.

 

“Scientific studies proving the devastating impact of mercury on pregnant women and children are abundant, which is why pregnant women and children are advised not to eat certain types of seafood that might contain methyl mercury,” the IAOMT report said. “Mercury has been found to be a factor in autism, and as such, dental amalgam fillings (maternal) have been directly linked to autism as well.”

 

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Dr. Tom Zyvoloski, an IAOMT member dentist, offers mercury-safe dentistry at Studio Z Dental in Louisville, CO. Studio Z Dental is a holistic family dental practice that emphasizes aesthetic excellence.

 

“Mercury in your mouth” can sound pretty scary. Curious how the mercury-safe process works? Learn more about our mercury-safe dentistry practice and equipment, and contact Studio Z for more information.

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