Dental Almalgam Controversy

The dental amalgalm controversy has existed since the first dental amalgam/mercury fillings were introduced in the 1820’s. The issue is not if mercury is toxic, for it is a known and proven neurotoxin. The issue is whether the mercury in dental amalgam escapes and contributes to or causes illness. The American Dental Association and many practicing dentists believe amalgams to be safe. However, a growing number of researchers and dentists believe that amalgams are an unrecognized serious health risk.

The “Amalgam is Safe” Viewpoint
The 1988 report from the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs states:  “The Council concludes that, based on available scientific information, amalgam continues to be a safe and effective restorative material.”  The Council’s report also stated, “There currently appears to be no justification for discontinuing the use of dental amalgam.”  More information regarding the ADA’s position on amalgam fillings can be found at www.ada.org. The FDA, NIDR, USPHS, National MS Society and Consumers Union are all in agreement with the ADA.

This ideology promotes the idea that when mercury is mixed with the other components that make up the amalgam filling, stable compounds are formed and only trace amounts of metallic mercury remain. More significant sources of mercury exposure are from food, water and air.  Amalgam is a cost effective, quick way to restore teeth and hundreds of thousands of amalgams are placed each year.  Therefore, the unjustified removal of amalgams is an unnecessary risk which increases the potential for other complications.

The “Amalgam is Unsafe” Viewpoint
Mercury toxicity experts all over the world claim that mercury fillings should not be used.  There is extensive research to support this position (www.iaomt.org, www.holisticdental.org, www.iabdm.org). Experts believe that removing existing amalgams should be accomplished using specific protocols and the removal of mercury fillings without adjunctive therapies is not recommended. The adjunctive protocols may include but are not limited to; body chemistry analysis (blood, urine, hair, etc.), electrodermal screening, applied kinesiology, homeopathy, biocompatibility testing and chelation therapy. Many of these protocols are empirical, but the concept is that there must be regard for physiologic issues. It is necessary to understand that dental treatment to remove the possible source of toxicity is a separate issue from medical treatment to detoxify the body.  You will likely need both to give your body a chance to heal. 

Many diseases and symptoms have been reported to resolve or be reduced when dental amalgam is removed:

• Neurological
  (tremors, headaches, emotional instability, anxiety, unexplained depression, memory loss)
• Cardiovascular 
  (abnormal blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm)
• Oral disorders
  (bleeding gums, metallic taste, burning sensations, canker sores, excessive saliva)
• Immunological disorders 
  (leukemia, Hodgkin’s Disease, MS, ALS, lupus erythematosis, arthritis, scleroderma, mononucleosis)
• Gastrointestinal problems
  (food sensitivities, abdominal cramps, chronic diarrhea or constipation)
• Systemic problems
  (dermatitis, thyroid disturbance, chronic fatigue, infertility, birth defects, allergies, excessive perspiration, unexplained anemia, adrenal disease)

Keep in mind, diseases are complex and multiple factors are almost always involved.  Consultations with dentists, physicians, and other health care professionals are recommended.