Mercury in My Mouth

If you have silver fillings, then you have mercury in your mouth.  Silver fillings are about 50% mercury.  Because of their strength when combined with other metals, they have been used and trusted by dentists.  In Florida, still, most dentists choose silver fillings.  However, in California, dentists and amalgam manufacturers must post this warning: 

Warning:  This Office uses amalgam filling materials which contain and expose you to Mercury, a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm. Please consult your dentist for more information.

The FDA’s Web site now states that: "Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses."

Mercury is a poison.  Mercury leaches into our bodies from silver amalgam fillings from the moment they are put in place.  Constant chewing increases this leaching so those of us with silver fillings should not chew gum since it increases the risk of mercury leaching into our system. 

There is no debate that mercury is a toxic substance.  The debate surrounds whether amalgam fillings are hazardous.  They claim that when the mercury is mixed with the other substances (silver, tin and copper) it becomes harmless and is no longer toxic.  The EPA considers mercury a toxic substance that must be disposed of properly.  In fact, since 1989, the EPA has considered leftover amalgam (almost 50% mercury) a hazardous substance.  Yet they allow this substance to be put into our mouths, close to our brains, in our heads, and into our bodies.  The true debate is how much of a toxic substance is bad for us, how much can our bodies take without getting sick.  Since each of us have varying sensitivities, that's hard to determine.  I'd say, if a toxic substance can be avoided altogether, why put it knowingly into our body?  We have so many chemicals in our lives today, let's lesson the exposure wherever we possibly can and avoid known toxins and carcinogens.

If you need to have a cavity filled today, it's safest to get a non-metal composite instead of a silver filling.  You are not doing it for the sake of vanity; you are doing it for the sake of your health and, if you are a woman of child bearing age, for the future health of any children you may have.  It is the safest and strongest option long-term, and it looks the best too.

If you already have silver fillings, there are many things to consider when thinking of replacing them; it is not an easy decision.  Depending upon how deep your fillings are (how big your cavities were), removal of these fillings can cause discomfort, upset the nerve, and can even lead to root canals.  You may actually ingest more mercury in the removal process if not done properly.  Removal can cause more mercury to be inhaled when it turns to vapor and therefore head directly to the brain.  Removal can also cause mercury to be swallowed.  Sometimes you're better off just leaving them alone.  If you do choose to get them removed, and when you want more information about this procedure, it is imperative that you DO NOT SEE A DENTIST WHO CURRENTLY USES AMALGAM FILLINGS!  They don't understand the danger of silver fillings.  Many believe that they pose no risk at all despite the research and studies surrounding this issue.  Choose a dentist who specializes in the removal of silver amalgam fillings.  Remember, mercury is a poison and should be treated as such.  Take extra precautions to boost your immunity before the procedure.  Many people suggest extra Vitamin C before and after the removal.  Speak to a holistic dentist specializing in amalgam removal about whether you are a good candidate for removal and what you should do before and after the procedure.  Fillings should be removed only by a dentist that respects the toxicity of the substance, and respects your and her or his own health. 

Holistic Dentists:

The only one in Aventura that I know of is Dr. Fredda Rosenbaum and I think she is really terrific.  They have a professional and knowledgeable staff who can help advise you of your options.  Rightly so, they treat mercury as hazardous waste.  She is located by the Aventura Mall and can be reached at 305-933-3350.  However, I have heard from others that they push extra services that can be quite costly.  Personally, I did not have this experience and I feel good about recommending them, but I wanted to mention it so you will be aware and to share both sides with you.

Dr. Steve N. Green comes highly recommended and is located at 10261 SW 72 St. C-106, Miami, FL 33173.  I have not personally used him but have only heard the best things about this practice.  Dr. Green is an eclectic holistic and mercury-free dentist and can be reached at (305) 273-7779.

Dr. Richard H. Keller is a holistic dentist that comes highly recommended by people who have used him for years!  He is located in Plantation at 8251 West Broward Blvd, Suite 201.  He can be reached at 954-473-5020 or kellerrh@msn.com.

Dr. Marc Pomerantz in Hallandale is a holistically-minded dentist with a mercury-free office.  His office is located at 226 South Dixie Highway, Hallandale, FL 33009, and he can be reached at 954-454-3883.

Another recommended dentist is Dr. Hank Barreto in Kendall.

If you need an Endodontist for a Root Canal, Dr. Arthur Lane in Aventura comes highly recommended.  Located at 1 Turnberry Plaza, Suite 404 or 19495 Biscayne Blvd.

Lists of other Mercury-free Dentists:

• Test Foundation

• Alternative Holistic and Biological Dentists

• Consumers for Dental Choice Working to Abolish Mercury Dental Fillings

• Dental Amalgam Mercury Syndrome, Inc  800-311-6265

Dental Amalgams have additional issues.  When other metals are used in your mouth, the amalgam can combine with those to cause electric currents in your mouth that can affect your brain health and function.  It is like having a battery in your mouth or head and can lead to a variety of disease and discomfort.

On top of all this, it turns out that silver fillings can actually expand in time with temperature (why do you think mercury is used in thermometers!?) and may allow decay to further ravage that tooth so they are not even as good as composite.  Silver fillings will eventually need to be replaced and this can lead to more harmful mercury vapors being released, painful toothaches, root canals, and crowns.

Root Canals are not a pleasant process at all.  Chemicals used during this process may be carcinogenic. And root canals may have adverse affects on health due to contamination in the canal if not done with the utmost attention to cleanliness.  If you need a root canal, consider first if lasers can be used to help the situation by a dentist trained in biological dentistry; if you must have a root canal, use Biocalex which inhibits the growth of bacteria.  If you already have a root canal, your dentist can check for bacteria (which can lead to cancer and other disease) with this kit.

If you need a crown, use a composite material.  Crowns, ceramic and porcelain, have metal in them too.

Before having any crowns or cements used in your mouth, ask to have the Clifford Test for biocompatibility done.  Even if you are not normally a person who is allergic to things, you may be surprised to learn that you are do not do well with certain items.  As an example, when my crown was replaced they used a commonly used strong cement since it had come out.  My gums were never the same after that.  The gums seemed to pull away from the crown.  They were receding rapidly and always throbbed.  Once I got them taken out my mouth relaxed and my gums healed.  It was incredible.  In Aventura, you can see Dr. Simon Astor for mercury testing, clifford testing and much more:

Simon Astor, DOM, NMD
Healing Earth Holistic Center
19022 NE 29th Ave.
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 792-0007
(305) 792-0990 fax
iluma center for health

X-rays should be avoided, however, dental x-rays are in low enough doses that the occasional one every 2 years may be fine.  Research the issue and decide what's best for you and your family.

Fluoride sealants and toothpastes carry risks too.

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Pregnant or Nursing?  Take extra precautions and care with your teeth and dentistry while pregnant or nursing.

• Your baby will suck the nutrients she's not getting from your diet right out of your body - out of your bones and your teeth!  This can cause your teeth to decay and major problems.  Make sure you get plenty of calcium and proper nutrition for your growing body.  A healthful diet is the best way to avoid tooth decay.
   

• Take extra good care of your teeth.  Floss daily, brush regularly with a mild toothbrush and toothpaste or gel.  Avoid those with chemicals and artificial colors.
   

• Mercury is particularly harmful to babies and therefore pregnant and nursing women.  Mercury can cause neurological damage and has been linked to autism.  Mothers with significant amalgam fillings have a higher risk of having an autistic child.  Babies exposed to high levels of mercury during pregnancy have exhibited delayed walking, talking, inability to speak, brain damage, mental retardation, blindness, seizures, cerebral palsy, altered muscle tone, or deep tendon reflexes.  There is also a link with mercury and adverse effects on the developing reproductive organs and spontaneous abortions and even still births.  Low level exposures could cause learning disabilities.  Avoid getting fillings while pregnant.  Once you have the baby, wait until the baby is done nursing to remove current silver fillings.
   

• X-Rays during pregnancy, even low level dental X-Rays, have been associated with low weight births even for full term babies.  Avoid X-Rays while pregnant.
   

• Teeth Whiteners have not been studied enough to know whether they are safe while pregnant or nursing so you're better off avoiding them.
   

• Even regular teeth cleanings, if not done carefully, can allow harmful bacteria and chemicals to move into your body.  Your gums are also more sensitive when you're pregnant so it could be a bit uncomfortable.  If going to a cleaning, make sure you use proper suction and avoid any unnecessary chemicals.

Links:

• Mercury Free Now, Dr. Wentz

• Tooth Decay & Behavior, Dr. Green

• Can Mercury Silver Fillings Cause Disease?, Dental Wellness

• Are Silver Dental Fillings Safe?, Dr. Mercola

• A Victory for Health - FDA Forced to Admit That Mercury Fillings are Hazardous, Dr. Mercola

• Mercury Free and Healthy, The Dental Amalgam Issue - a terrible sin against humanity, Dr. Alfred Stok

• The International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology

• The Root Canal Cover-up and the Butterfly Dance, Evergreen Monthly

• Mercury Detoxification Protocol, Dr. Mercola

• From: Dentist the Menace? The Uncontrolled Release of Dental Mercury, Mercury Policy Project, Health Care Without Harm, Sierra Club, et al., June 2002.
   
• Lyn Rennick
   
• DAMS Fact Sheets on Mercury Exposure from Amalgam and Adverse Health Effects - lot of links and how to test for mercury poisoning
   
• Testimony of Sandy Duff Before the Government Reform Committee Wellness and Human Rights Subcommittee
   
• Freya Koss
   
• Marie