mercury poisoning caused by fillings?

Question

I've heard mercury from dental fillings can cause a number of illnesses...anyone heard of this or had any experience of it?

Answer 1

The possibility of getting mercury poisioning from fillings has been a major topic of debate in the dental field for years. For as many studies that claim that there is a high risk, there are just as many that show that the risk is small.
You have to remember that mercury is poisonous in its "liquid" form. It is not in this form in amalgam fillings. When a filling is removed to be replace, the majority of the amalgam dust is suctioned out of the mouth.
So as far as it causing illnesses, well you are going to get answers leaning both ways. You need to base your own opinion of peer reviewed studies, not personal controlled studies.
The same debate is going back and forth about fluoride and composite fillings. There are just as many studies that say no as there are that say no.
I have not seen any completely accurate, unbiases studies that show one view over the other.

Answer 2

Opinion is divided over whether mercury can leach out of filling amalgam. If it does ( maybe due to incorrect or incomplete mixing or varied percentages during manufacture ) then there certainly would be a risk - the toxicity and negative health effects of mercury are well known - but the effects would vary dependent on your physiology, susceptability and, importantly, the amount absorbed.

On a worrying note, I did read an article some months back where a young teenage lad was diagnosed with early signs of memory loss / dementia. The cause ? large volumes of tinned tuna eaten during his childhood.

I believe that metal fillings are no longer used in the UK and you can opt to have old ones replaced, but if you're concerned, go see your dentist - privately of course ... NHS dentist ??? ... what's one of them then ????


:¬)

ps. Also, if you're really concerned, speak to your GP and request a test

Answer 3

I once believed that story, years ago when it first came out. I was stupid enough to replace all my mercury amalgm fillings with composite fillings that don't contain mercury. I had had the old fillings for as much as 20 years with no problems. The new fillings were falling apart in less than 2 years and all had to be replaced. Of course, I replaced them with the strong mercury amalgm fillings. And I experienced no difference in how I feel.

Answer 4

Mercury Filling: Should your dentist inform you of the risks?

Mercury or silver amalgam fillings have been linked to multiple sclerosis, arthritis and mental disorders, but many of the 76 percent of American dentists who use these fillings don't tell their patients about the risks.

Troubled by this practice, Thomas Anderson, D.M.D., a dentist practicing in Houlton, Maine, and his wife, Pamela, recently designed a bill that would make Maine the first state to require dentists to counsel their patients on the potential hazards of mercury exposure and discuss alternative treatments and materials. Unfortunately, their bill did not pass - in large part because of vehement opposition by the American and Maine dental associations.

"They aren't denying that mercury is a toxic metal," says Pamela Anderson, "so why aren't more people worried about mercury going into our mouths?"

The Maine Dental Association does not encourage its members to discuss alternatives with their patients, but requiring written consent, the association says, would imply a risk where none exists, causing patients unnecessary worry.

Still, says Anderson, it's a choice that should be left up to the individual. "Patients should be able to weigh the risks and benefits and decide for themselves," she says. If you want to urge the ADA to change its position on the use of mercury fillings, call Consumers for Dental Choice at 1-800-510-0151. For more information on mercury fillings and alternatives, contact the Environmental Dental Association

Answer 5

I doubt it; I have heard that, but I think it is a crock of s***. How long have people been using them? Most of the people you know probably have them. So how many people do you know that have gotten poisoned by mercury?

Answer 6

Debateable. Mercury amalgams have been used for over 150 years. See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_amalgam_controversy

Answer 7

A friends sister had her fillings changed because of a specific medical condition she was suffering from

Answer 8

I don't think they use Mercury any more, but it is poisonous, and used to be a problem.

Answer 9

Very anecdotal. Usually the dentist who applies them is competent and heats the amalgam and vacuums off the liquids correctly, so there wouldn't be problems.

Answer 10

Holy s*it!! Am I going to die? I've got 3 fillings in my mouth.