More Lies About Mercury Amalgam Fillings

[Guest guest]

The following article is from The Harvard Medical School Adviser paper,

researched and written by the faculty and staff of Harvard Medical School

www.health.harvard.edu/adviser

If you disagree with Harvard's position on amalgam fillings, share your

story/comments/opinion about mercury dental fillings with them by Emailing:

barbara@...

Try to keep your words to 150-200. Include your full name and contact

information so they can verify who you are. Unverified letters cannot be

printed.

Are amalgam fillings safe?

United Feature Syndicate

Monday, August 20, 2007

Q I have some old silver fillings that my dentist says need to be replaced.

I've heard that removing these types of fillings can release mercury. Is

this dangerous?

A: Dental amalgam is the silver-colored material used to fill (restore)

teeth that have cavities. Also called silver or mercury amalgam, this

material consists of two materials in nearly equal parts: a powder

containing silver, tin, copper, zinc and other metals; and liquid mercury.

Even though amalgam has been used for more than 150 years and is the most

common material used for fillings, it remains controversial.

The source of the concern is fear that mercury may promote conditions such

as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and autism. Amalgam fillings

release a tiny amount of mercury vapor when they are put in or removed from

teeth. Even chewing can release mercury vapor. But there is no evidence that

removing amalgam fillings will benefit — or harm — your health.

To date, no scientific studies have demonstrated any harm from dental

amalgam. As a result, organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration

American Dental Association, National Institutes of Health and the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention have, at one time or another, stated that

amalgam is safe for everyone except the few individuals who are allergic to

the material. In addition, banning it would eliminate an important dental

option for many people. Amalgam fillings are strong and durable, so they

last longer than most filling materials. They are also relatively

inexpensive.

However, the debate isn't over yet. After reviewing studies on amalgam from

1997 to 2006, the FDA drafted a report that reiterated that amalgam is safe

for nearly all people. But in September 2006, the advisory panel that

reviewed this report said there were too many uncertainties to make that

claim. They say more information is needed on how it might affect certain

groups, particularly pregnant women, children and people who are sensitive

to mercury.

Nearly all the data on amalgam safety come from studies of adults. In many

cases, these people worked in places where mercury is present in sizable

quantities, such as dental offices. In fact, the first randomized trials in

children appeared only in April 2006. These two studies found that children

whose cavities were filled with amalgam had no health problems as a result.

Each study involved more than 500 children, who randomly received either

amalgam or composite fillings. One study tested the children over several

years for memory, attention, physical coordination and speed of nerve

conduction. The other study tested IQ. Researchers found no difference in

test scores between the children in the two groups. They did find, however,

that the children with the amalgam fillings had slightly higher levels of

mercury in their urine.

While these studies are reassuring, we still need more research. The FDA

advisory panel said there wasn't enough information to determine whether

pregnant women and children should avoid amalgam fillings.

The debate about amalgam has prompted some dental professionals to

substitute more expensive restorations for still serviceable silver fillings

for all patients. Composites, which are tooth-colored materials made from

powdered glass and other compounds, are a common option. When composites

were introduced, they were not very strong and were used primarily in the

front teeth. Newer composites are stronger, although they still tend to wear

out faster than metal-based materials and generally need to be replaced

earlier than amalgam fillings. Porcelain, gold and other metals also are

used as filling materials.

If you got your fillings more than a decade ago, your dentist is correct.

Most amalgam fillings wear out in 10 years or less and need to be replaced.

Ask him or her which restoration material would be best for your particular

situation and needs. Make your decision calmly, without undue worry about

the mercury in amalgam.

http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/aug/20/are_amalgam_fillings_safe13345/

[Guest guest]

One more DUMB thing coming out of Harvard. In the same paragraph,

they are stating amalgams 'wear out' in 10 years or less, yet

are 'strong & durable', and that they seem to pose no problem in 5

or 6 year old children. Whoever is in charge here knows absolutely

nothing about mercury & would do well to purchase a few of those

old 'dot to dot' children's color books and practice with them every

night.

Joanne

>

> The following article is from The Harvard Medical School Adviser

paper,

> researched and written by the faculty and staff of Harvard Medical

School

> www.health.harvard.edu/adviser

> If you disagree with Harvard's position on amalgam fillings, share

your

> story/comments/opinion about mercury dental fillings with them by

Emailing:

> barbara@...

> Try to keep your words to 150-200. Include your full name and

contact

> information so they can verify who you are. Unverified letters

cannot be

> printed.

> Are amalgam fillings safe?

> United Feature Syndicate

> Monday, August 20, 2007