Mercury in Amalgam Fillings & Finding a Biological Dentist

According to Joyal Taylor, D.D.S. past President of the Environmental Dental Association silver fillings (amalgam) contain 50% mercury, and only 25% silver, the remaining 25% are small amounts of zinc, copper and tin. Mercury has been recognized as a poison since the 1500s, yet mercury fillings have been used as dental fillings since the 1820s. They are still being used today, even though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared scrap dental amalgam as a hazardous waste material in 1988.
Research at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine and other prominent medical schools, have demonstrated that mercury vapor continuously escapes from dental amalgams and 80% of this vapor is immediately absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream. Once in the blood, mercury vapor enters into the cells almost immediately.

Mercury Vapor from Amalgam Fillings Is Released Into the Body 24/7
The Committee on Mercury assembled by the World Health Organization state that mercury vapor from dental amalgam fillings is the primary source of mercury contamination in most humans. Eighty percent of adults, specifically baby boomers, currently have amalgam fillings that will release from 4 to 40 micrograms of mercury vapor per day, depending on factors such as number of fillings, size of fillings, teeth grinding and the presence of other metals in the mouth.

Every day we do things to encourage the release of mercury vapor from amalgam fillings: chewing gum, eating, drinking hot tea or coffee, having dental work done, even having your teeth cleaned. Effects of exposure can vary significantly depending on the tissues and/or organs involved as well as other genetic and health factors. According to Dr. Russell Blaylock mercury can damage many bodily systems, although the nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems seem to suffer the most adverse effects of chronic exposure. He also states that there is growing evidence that mercury toxicity plays a vital role in a significant number of Alzheimers cases along with other neurodegenerative diseases.

Studies have shown that brain levels of mercury are 3-4 higher in people with amalgam fillings, than those without. 

Many of you may be shocked or even angered by this information. Remember your dentist has been misled, just as you have been by false information.  So what choices can you make? First, I would seek out a biological dentist. Even if you decide to never have amalgam fillings done again, and continue to see a traditional dentist, you will most likely be exposed to mercury vapor.

An article published in the British Dental Journal (2001) stated that in 15-20  percent of dental offices, the mercury vapor concentration levels was ten times higher  than the current safety limit set by OSHA.
As a point of interest many European countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany and Sweden have banned amalgam or are in the process of a scheduled phase out. The largest manufacturer of amalgam in Germany (Degussa) has stopped manufacturing amalgam altogether due to the number pending and future lawsuits, including 1,500 civil complaints for injury.

What to look for in a biological dentist
A biological dentist combines dentistry with the knowledge of the implications oral health has on the entire body. A biological dentist recognizes the link between oral health and general health. A biological dentist recognizes that the diseases and dental materials in your mouth can have long lasting and sometimes negative effects on other body systems. Biological dentists usually work with other like-minded professionals to provide nutritional support and detoxification protocols. A biological dentists keeps in mind the health of the entire body, not just the condition of the teeth, gums and mouth.
When looking for a biological dentist, keep the following in mind, a biological dentist:
-Never uses amalgam
-Does not perform or recommend root canals
-Follows protective protocols when removing mercury fillings
-Offers biocompatibility testing for dental materials to be used
-Does not use fluoride
-Has equipment to sterilize dental tools without toxic chemicals
-Uses digital x-ray technology to reduce effects of radiation
-Works with other allied health professionals (nutritionist, naturopaths, etc.)
-Receives continuing education in biological dentistry
-Provides a chemical free environment, no air fresheners, office not cleaned with any toxic chemicals

IAOMT logo

What is the IAOMT?
The International Academy of Oral Medical and Toxicology (IAOMT) is a professional organization of dentists, physicians and other allied health researchers who seek to improve the quality and safety of dentistry. The primary area of concern is that of mercury, a common ingredient in amalgam/ silver dental fillings. The IAOMT is dedicated to peer reviewed, scientific research in the area of toxic substances used in dentistry, as well as providing continuing education. They are the only organization that has established specific safety protocols for the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings
In order to receive accreditation with IAOMT, dentist and physicians complete a certification program in the areas of mercury free dentistry. Those who complete the program requirements and demonstrate a clear understanding of the proper removal of amalgam fillings qualify for accreditation.
For more information please go to http://www.iaomt.org
References:
Alternative Medicine Biological Denistry, 2001
Its All in Your Head: The Link Between Mercury Fillings and Illness by Hal Huggins
Health and Nutrition Secrets by Russell Blaylock, M.D.
Maternal-Fetal Distribution of Mercury, Released from  Dental Amalgam Fillings-M.J. Vimy, Y.
Takahashi, and F.L. Lorscheider, American Physiological Society 258 (1990)
The Complete Guide to Mercury Toxicity from Dental Filling by J. Taylor
http://stason.org/TULARC/health/dental-amalgam/12-What-Are-Other-Countries-Doing-About-The-Amalgam-Issue.html
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My Health Maven offers information on a wholistic approach to healthy lifestyle choices.