The issue of mercury toxicity from "silver" amalgam fillings is both controversial and political. When I was trained in dental school, I was taught that the mercury in the fillings is bound up and never leaves the body of the filling. But, the truth is that mercury constantly comes off the fillings and is inhaled, absorbed, and swallowed. This toxic metal then enters the tissues and blood and may cause systemic disease and suppress the immune system.

Much research has been performed by medical and biochemical researchers that tells of mercury's toxicity and the burden it places on the body. Dental amalgam is approximately 50% mercury, the rest is made up of silver, tin, copper, and zinc. Small amounts of mercury vapor are continually released from the filling. Chewing food or gum, teeth grinding, or hot/cold foods and beverages all result in the increase of mercury release. Our body takes 2-3 hours to return to the normal rate of mercury release after one of these challenges.

Metals in the mouth and saliva create electrical currents. As a result, mercury and the other metals are released from the surface of the fillings. These microscopic particles go into our intestines and absorbed through our intestinal lining into our bloodstream. In addition, mercury vapor is inhaled into our lungs and enters the blood by attaching to hemoglobin in the red blood cell.

There is no controversy regarding mercury's toxicity. It is more toxic than arsenic. Nor is the issue whether or not mercury comes off the silver-amalgam filling and enters our body. The controversy surrounds the question as to whether or not enough mercury comes off the filling to contribute to health problems. Scientific research has shown:

Mercury evaporation creates a molecule of vapor. It diffuses into the lungs and dissolves into all the fat stores of the body including the brain. It is a very potent free radical. Mercury uses up glutathione (GSH) which is probably the body's most potent anti-oxidant making the cells more susceptible to damage from oxidation. (Other sources of oxidation come from the exposure to some of the 70,000 chemicals that the EPA says are used in our "civilized" lifestyle.) Mercury also prevents the enzymes that make and recycle oxidized GSH from functioning. These enzymes are essential in our bodies' cellular chemical reactions and normal physiologic functioning. For instance, synthesis of DNA (our genetic material) relies on glutathione. Mercury inhibits the repair of DNA damaged by X-ray exposure or the sun's radiation. The production of the heme molecule used in making hemoglobin is affected by mercury. The heme molecule is involved in muscle function, energy production, and destruction of chemicals and poisons in the liver. Mercury also disrupts the microtubules, the cellular skeleton responsible for organizing enzymes, chemical transport, and nerve transmission. It interferes with the neurotransmitters, the chemicals that are responsible for nerve transmission. Many other body systems and chemical processes are affected by mercury. A fuller listing with citations of scientific articles is available on request.

One reason for the ongoing controversy is that people are affected differently. Tie analogy of a camel with too many straws on its back applies here. The type of sickness one person gets depends on their individual susceptibility and weakness. To summarize, mercury is a poison with great potential for disrupting the delicate balance required for health. In today's world; with increasing exposure to many chemicals, mercury is one that could be avoided. Insist that your dentist does not put mercury in your body.

Amalgam Removal
Unless one is pregnant or nursing, I believe everyone should remove their amalgam fillings. A known toxic exposure should be removed. But, safeguards should be in place. Without them, mercury exposure during removal may be the last straw and send someone into a worsening of symptoms.

Safeguards include a nutritional detoxification-protection program be in place prior, during and after the fillings are removed. It is best to individualize this nutritional protocol depending on a person's physiology and health status. Secondly, local, mechanical steps should be employed to limit the patient's exposure to the loosened mercury. These include rubber dam, absorbent agents, and vacuum systems as well as steps taken to protect the dental staff. Thirdly, replacement material choices should be considered with the individual's bio-sensitivity considered as well. If gold is chosen, it should be placed after the amlagam is removed. Failure to do so, would result in increased electrical currents and up to a 50 fold increase in the release of mercury. Make sure not to exchange one toxin for another. There are several testing modalities that will tell an individual what material is best suited for them. A dentist trained in this type of dentistry will be familiar with these issues and it is my belief that a dentist trained in mercury removal procedures will provide the patient a safer environment for this removal.

So, mercury poses a serious threat to people's health. Removal should involve specific precautions for everybody's safety, especially yours. Chronic exposure occurs as long as the filling is in your mouth. Talk with others who have had these procedures done. Do not proceed until you feel comfortable in doing so. If money is a problem, discuss how to proceed at a pace that matches your health and financial needs. If nothing else, insist that no more mercury be placed in your mouth as old fillings need replacement. This article is only meant to introduce the topic of mercury in your fillings and the toxic effect it can have. There is far more technical, referenced information available. Ask for any information that would be helpful.

For information on the amalgam mercury issue, visit:  

www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam/
www.iaomt.org/patients/search.aspx