Fall is in the air, and that means the time to use your dental insurance benefits is running out. When it comes to caring for your smile, our dental practice goes the extra mile, and we never use harmful mercury fillings to repair cavities. It is important because the whole point of biological dentistry is to keep your teeth and gums healthy to benefit your overall health and well-being!
Why Mercury-Free Dentistry?
We practice mercury-free dentistry to keep this harmful neurotoxin out of your mouth and body. We do not use amalgam fillings, silver fillings, silver amalgam fillings, or mercury amalgam fillings because these neurotoxins have long-term effects on people. To avoid this, our tooth-colored fillings are mercury-free and BPA-free resin. Not only are these fillings healthier for your smile and body, but they look more natural than their metal counterparts. White dental fillings, zirconia dental implants, and ceramic or zirconia crowns and bridges are also healthier alternatives!
The Problem With Mercury
Mercury amalgam fillings typically have around 48-55% mercury (and there is a reason people no longer use mercury thermometers anymore!). When you break down the components of amalgam fillings containing mercury, the liquid mercury is combined with a powder to stabilize it. This powder can be made from metals such as silver, tin, copper or zinc. But, even when keeping the mercury contained in amalgam, it can still leak mercury vapor, which isn’t good because mercury is harmful even at low levels. Mercury levels leach this toxic vapor whenever you chew or your teeth are exposed to heat.
Signs of Mercury Poisoning:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Trouble with memory
Even the FDA now cautions people who are considered high risk for health issues to avoid mercury fillings. It is because even in low doses, the body can absorb the harmful vapors and experience problems. If you are a pregnant woman (or are nursing your baby), you can be exposed to mercury. Other high-risk groups are young children, people who have kidney issues or allergies to mercury, as well as people suffering from neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis). When the body is exposed to mercury, it weakens the immune system and harms the following areas of the body:
- Organs
- Glands
- Blood cells
- Enzymes
- Hormones
Removing Amalgam Fillings
While you may avoid getting mercury amalgam fillings moving forward, what if you already have them and are worried about how they might be affecting your health? Our dentist can safely take out those toxic fillings and replace them with a healthier alternative. Our practice follows careful safety protocols to minimize your exposure to mercury vapor when removing the fillings. Our dentist will also take into consideration the following risk factors to decide if your amalgam fillings should be replaced:
- Your mercury toxicity levels (having a blood test)
- If you have bruxism (are constantly grinding your teeth)
- How old your filling is
- How old you are
When removing amalgam fillings, the mercury needs to be safely removed from the tooth while protecting you from the mercury vapor. You can read more about The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) protocol for amalgam removal using the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART):
https://iaomt.org/resources/safe-removal-amalgam-fillings/
Create your Best Health
Our skilled dental team is committed to your highest oral and overall health as well as making sure you get dental care that is best for you in the short term and long term. The mouth is the gateway to your digestive system, where toxins can enter your bloodstream, traveling to vital organs. Our goal is to keep your smile and body as healthy as possible. Please call our office to learn more or schedule an appointment, and get your smile ready for the inclement fall season!
