Is there poison in your mouth? Take a peek at a few natural health blogs, and you may be scared senseless about the effects of those amalgam fillings you’ve had for years. Even though this material has been in use for decades, some claim that the mercury levels are highly toxic and dangerous. Should you be concerned?
What is an amalgam filling?
Also known as a silver filling, amalgam is an alloy of several different metals mixed with mercury. Your dentist first drills away the cavity, and then he or she mixes an amalgam putty to fill the hole in the tooth. He or she then places the putty in the hole, and the substance hardens into a solid, silver-colored filling.
What do supporters say?
Amalgam fillings have been proven to be stable and durable for over a hundred years. Proponents say that because the mercury is combined with other metals to make a stable compound, very little mercury is present in the filling. Some experts claim that we are exposed to higher levels of mercury through our food and water than we are exposed to by our fillings. The ADA and FDA have both declared that amalgam fillings are safe for everyone, except those with sensitivity to mercury and children under the age of six. The biggest advantage to amalgam fillings is that they are inexpensive compared to composite resins.
What do opponents say?
Opponents of amalgam fillings cite studies by the World Health Organization among others showing correlations between amalgam and various health problems. These problems include autoimmune disorders, birth defects, neurological diseases, and chronic illnesses. Exposure to the mercury in these fillings is said to be greatly increased by habits such as teeth grinding and gum chewing, and the risk is greatest when a filling becomes loose or the tooth cracks. Holistic health proponents encourage patients to have amalgam fillings replaced with safer substances to restore overall health.
Should I have my silver fillings replaced?
Only Dr. Martin can tell you if you should replace your old fillings. Aside from the systemic health concerns of mercury exposure, many patients dislike their amalgam fillings because of their appearance. Dr. Martin can replace all that silver with tooth colored fillings that you can confidently show off when you laugh out loud.
If you feel you’re suffering negative health effects from amalgam fillings or just want to beautify your smile, call Richmond Smile Center at (804) 417-7203 for a consultation. We gladly serve patients in Richmond, Lakeside, Bon Air, Tuckahoe, Mechanicsville, and Laurel.
