Most people are aware that metal dental fillings contain mercury. The mercury in fillings is an amalgam, or blend, of silver, copper and mercury that has been in use for over 150 years. A debate, known as the Mercury Controversy, has raged in the dental community and beyond regarding the safety of this mercury content. Canada, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Germany have already banned or advised against the use of metal fillings, particularly in children and pregnant women.

Health Issues Associated with Metal Fillings

Many patients with metal fillings complain that a variety of health problems plague them—and they attribute their health concerns to the mercury found in their metal fillings. Health complaints include:

· Chronic illnesses

· Autoimmune disorders

· Degenerative brain and nervous system diseases

· Birth defects

· Mouth lesions

· Mental disorders

Research Supports Claims of Metal Fillings’ Impact on Health

Support for claims that mercury can impact overall health comes from a variety of sources, including:

· The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – the FDA stated on its website in June 2008: “Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses.”

· The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that mercury exposure can increase during tooth grinding, brushing teeth or chewing gum, and quotes a report stating that these activities cause a 5.3 fold increase in mercury.

· A Swedish autopsy-based study measured mercury levels in brains and kidneys and found that more metal fillings meant a greater mercury content.

· A German study found that mercury urinary excretion was significantly higher in those with mercury amalgam fillings.

· A Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine study showed that removal of mercury amalgam fillings from 118 subjects eliminated or reduced 80 percent of mercury poisoning symptoms.

· Research on monkeys demonstrated that mercury from dental restorations builds up in the brain, kidney, lung and liver.

Metal Fillings can cause Discomfort and Potentially Harm Teeth

Not only do metal fillings present apparent health risks, they can also be harmful to teeth and lead to dental discomfort. Metal contracts and expands with contact to extremes of heat and cold. Repetitive expansion and contraction can ultimately lead to tooth breakage. The expansion and contraction process can also cause teeth to become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.

Options for Dental Patients

Patients do have a choice. Porcelain/composite fillings do not include mercury and provide a much more pleasing aesthetic outcome. They also do not expand and contract with heat and cold, so teeth are less likely to crack when these substances are used. Increased tooth sensitivity, too, is not an issue with porcelain/composite.

Healthy and strong teeth are an important part of child health. Children’s teeth start to develop before they are born. There are two sets of teeth first is milk teeth and second is permanent teeth. Milk teeth have an important part to play in the development of the permanent teeth, so it is very important to look after them. Milk teeth are very small, and any decay on a primary tooth is a concern. Permanent teeth usually start to erupt at the age of six. Adults have up to 32 permanent teeth. Most of these will erupt by the age of 13. Permanent teeth press on the roots of the milk teeth.

Children’s teeth are very sensitive and need care. Most pediatric dentists will conform that everyday dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Several children may require more frequent evaluations and care. For babies should clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby’s toothbrush. Brush your child’s teeth using toothpaste that contains fluoride twice a day, in the morning and before going to sleep at night. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots or stains. Good eating habits are also key in good dental health.

Sugar sticks to teeth and causes decay. Be certain to stick to healthy foods and snacks. Stay away from candy and sugars. Brush your child’s teeth 2 to 3 times a day to cure plaque and tartar buildup. And never let your child take milk or juice to bed in a bottle or cup. The decreased swallowing while sleeping permits the sugars from these liquids to sit on the teeth causing serious decay. Other good dental health habits include do not put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are also very beneficial.

Sealants can cure tooth rot on the masticating surfaces of molars where four out of five cavities occur. Some children require more support than a soft, caring method to feel cozy during dental treatment. Restraint or mild sedation may profit your special child. Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have well teeth for life. Healthy teeth not only have powerful enamel and a lack of decay, but they are also well aligned. Healthy teeth mean that the child is skill to eat a healthy diet, and aids the development of the jaw. This can affect facial appearance and speech development.