The Hidden Danger of Mercury Amalgam Dental Fillings

Amalgam "silver" fillings contain about 50% mercury. It's shocking that it was ever believed to be a good idea to create dental installations out of a material ten times more toxic than lead. Sadly, many people are now paying the price for this unfortunately common practice, most having no idea of the connection.

If you have amalgam fillings and are experiencing chronic health problems -- fatigue, pain, digestive issues, nervous system dysfunction, autoimmune disease, cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety or other mental illness, it's possible that your fillings could be a prime contributing factor to a number of your symptoms. This list is only just the beginning of the many health issues caused by mercury because it penetrates all areas of the body and can disturb all bodily processes.

The Health Risks of Mercury Amalgam Fillings

Research indicates that the mercury vapor from amalgam fillings can enter the body, potentially leading to serious health problems. For example, studies have linked mercury exposure to autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and behavioral changes. A noteworthy study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that even moderate mercury exposure can lead to memory loss and cognitive decline. In areas where amalgam use is prevalent, up to 20% of patients reported experiencing neurological symptoms linked to their fillings.

Additionally, for vulnerable groups, like children and pregnant women, the risks become even more pronounced. Mercury is known to affect brain development, with research suggesting that pregnant women exposed to high levels of mercury can have children who face an increased risk of developmental delays.

Countries Taking Action

Due to the growing awareness of these health risks, many countries are reevaluating the use of mercury amalgam fillings. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have all banned the use of mercury in dental practices entirely. The European Union has introduced regulations that restrict the use of amalgam, especially among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

These changes raise an important question: Why do these fillings continue to be used in many areas? Advocates for stricter regulations argue that many patients remain unaware of the risks associated with mercury fillings. They are pushing for the exploration of safer alternatives, like composite resins, which are now established in dental practice.

The Role of the IAOMT

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) is crucial in the campaign against mercury amalgam fillings. This organization is dedicated to educating the public and dental professionals about the dangers of dental materials, particularly mercury toxicity. They advocate for alternative, safer materials that do not expose patients to harmful substances.

One key initiative is their SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certification. This program teaches dentists the proper way to remove amalgam fillings far more safely, ensuring both patient and professional are protected from mercury exposure. The SMART technique has made substantial strides, reducing mercury exposure risks by up to 90% during removal.

Understanding SMART Certification

When seeking a practitioner to remove amalgam fillings, the very safest approach is look for one who is SMART certified. SMART certification includes essential safety protocols tailored to protect patients and the environment. Key practices in SMART include:

• Using dental dams to isolate teeth during the procedure.

• Implementing high-volume suction systems to capture mercury particles and vapor.

These methods help minimize the health risks associated with mercury exposure while allowing for effective dental treatment. The unfortunate truth is that even with these precautions, it is never 100% safe or foolproof. For this reason it's a good idea to only remove one filling at a time in each session and have some time in between, to minimize any toxic onslaught that could result from the procedure.

It's not uncommon for people to experience a "dump" of mercury starting about a couple months after filling removal. This is when the body registers that the ongoing mercury absorption has finally stopped and its detox capacities are finally freed up to a degree where they can handle the removal of some stored mercury. At this time a person can feel hit with detox symptoms including weakness and fatigue, and low moods.

The dump phase will pass, but there are ways to support the body during this and facilitate ongoing removal of mercury from where it was stored deep in the body's tissues.

For support in this process reach out to Spiritfire Living and we can have a free call to determine if we would be the right fit to help you in your detoxification process.

Alternatives to Mercury Amalgam Fillings

With growing concerns about mercury-related health risks, many are turning toward safer filling alternatives like composite resins and glass ionomer cements.

Studies reveal that composite fillings can be just as durable as their amalgam counterparts, sometimes even better in terms of longevity when properly cared for. Additionally, eliminating mercury from dental practices contributes to overall patient well-being by removing concerns over exposure to harmful substances.

Final Thoughts on Your Dental Health

As discussions around the dangers of mercury amalgam fillings gain traction, patients must assess their dental options with care. Supporting safer practices promoted by organizations like the IAOMT can pave the way for better health outcomes.

Reach out to Spiritfire Living if you would like support in restoring your health after mercury exposure. Detox is one of our areas of expertise.