What does the latest science say about mercury amalgam tooth fillings--are they safe or not?

I see a lot of stuff on the Internet from people who claim that mercury amalgam fillings are unsafe because they leak or give off microscopic traces of mercury gas. However, I've been able to find solid, research backed evidence that contradicts the American Dental Association's assertions that amalgam fillings have never been shown to cause any harm to human beings. I would especially appreciate responses from dental professionals and chemistry majors who might know a thing or two about toxicology.

What does the latest science say about mercury amalgam tooth fillings--are they safe or not?
Well I'm not a dental professional but I was a pre-med student in my undergraduate days and studied both chemistry and biology in spades.





There are two fundamental facts about so-called "silver" or mercury amalgan fillings that every dental professional in the country should know but many seem to be in denial about:





1. Toxicologists almost universally acknowledge that there is no "safe" exposure level to mercury. While there is no irconclad proof that tiny amounts of mercury in the body cause illness--that is, proof of the same variety that demonstrates a link between cigarette smoking and cancer, there is no ironclad proof that mercury in tiny amounts is NOT a contributing factor in any given illness-especially with respect to neurological illnesses where mercury is most likely to be a contributing factor. As the old saying goes, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.





2. Contrary to previous claims by the American Dental Association, the mercury in amalgam fillings are NOT inert and permanently bound up with the other alloys in the fillings. The mercury LEAKS. This NOT a disputable issue. Overwhelming evidence both in humans and animals has proven this. Once this fact became known, it was the clear responsbility of the ADA to come out in the open and acknowledge this fact and immediately begin advising dentists around the country to phase about mercury amalgams--especially given the wide availablity of alternatives.





The ADA continues to stonewall and claim that amalgams are safe, mostly because it's a convience for dentists. The fact is it's EASIER for dentists to use amalgam fillings, despite the extra cautions needed to protect themselves and the water supply from mercury waste disposal. The ADA is simply protecting their constituents and themselves from potential lawsuits in the manner of most polluting industries.





The fact the absolute proof of harm is difficult to come by is no excuse. At what point can one EVER prove in an individual case if an illness was caused by mercury or some other substance if the amounts are miniscule? And at what point does the amount become significant enough in the body to cause illness in any individual case? Every individual human physiology is different. The ADA CANNOT guarantee that mercury amalgam fillings will NOT cause harm to the body in any individual case.





Sorry for the legalese sounding rhetoric, but this is basic toxicology, basic human physiology, and basic common sense.





For those interested in reading in detail that latest research on the toxicity of mercury amalgams, you can start with the following excellent essay:





http://www.amalgam.org/
Reply:I think the mercury in my mouth kills bacteria that would otherwise destroy the enamel on my teeth.
Reply:Good question!


There are soooo many studies that say mercury in the amalgam alloy is harmles, and soooo many people who say it is harmful.


My point of view is that mercury is already forming an alloy when it is condensed into the tooth with the other metals. I have also seen so many patients with so many amalgams, and NONE with any symptoms of hydrargirism (Hg poisoning).





It's much harder to prove something HARMLESS, than proving that something IS harmful.
Reply:My ex is an alternative MD who treats toxic metal exposure. I attended several medical meetings with him (I am an allied health professional) on the topic of removing mercury. The only way to remove mercury from the body is to chelate it intravenously with a DMPS program. When I last heard, there was an organization doing a IRB study on DMPS chelation.





Think about it. If it is toxic outside the body, what is going to make it safe inside your body, leaching out of your teeth and crossing the blood/brain barrier? The dentists who have openly advocated mercury removal have been hassled to death by state boards and AMA bloodsuckers who have no interest in your health, but interest in continuing the status quo that keeps insurance machinery in place, and prevents people from considering lawsuits against the perpetrators of toxic exposure.





Try looking for a book called " The Whole Tooth, And Nothing But The Tooth". It was written by a researcher who works for the dentist that removed my mercury.





I had all my mercury fillings removed per safe removal protocol, and replaced with acrylic composite.
Reply:i had mercury amalgrams removed from my mouth and encourage people not to get them--you do have to be careful who removes them or you can have a really bad exposure that can be dangerous to you health--you can check with Roy Kerry,MD greenville pa 724 588 2600