Conditions - Mercury Toxicity

Mercury Toxicity

Mercury Amalgam fillings are a commonly used dental restorative material that for years have been called "silver fillings" by conventional dentists. While they may be silver in color, the name "silver fillings," is actually a misnomer. The actual filling material consists of over 50% mercury and approximately 30% silver. Correct nomenclature would call this a "Mercury filling."

This mercury component of the dental filling, has been scientifically demonstrated to be more toxic that lead, cadmium, or even arsenic, and is the most toxic, non-radioactive substance known to man. It escapes from the filling in the form of a vapor that is absorbed directly into the brain, and absorbed at a rate of 80% in the lungs and into the arterial blood. This vapor escapes constantly from the fillings - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The rate of vaporization increases when the fillings are stimulated by hot liquids, chewing, and even brushing your teeth.

Mercury that leaks from the fillings is stored pre-natally in a pregnant woman's developing fetus and post-natally in the mother's breast milk. Mercury from the amalgam fillings has been proven to deplete and suppress the immune system. The list of systemic disruptions and disturbances possible to one's health is quite long. Bottom line - there is no harmless level of mercury vapor exposure.

It is important to note that because mercury is a cumulative toxin, it is quite possible for a patient to have a mouthful of "silver fillings," and not be symptomatic. The mercury is still doing systemic damage, but the patient may not be showing signs or symptoms. Common signs, symptoms, and diseases of mercury toxicity include:

Disturbances of the Central Nervous System

Irritability
Anxiety/nervousness, often with difficulty in breathing
Restlessness
Exaggerated response to stimulation
Fearfulness
Emotional instability
Lack of self-control
Fits of anger, with violent, irrational behavior
Loss of self-confidence
Indecision
Shyness or timidity, being easily embarrassed
Loss of memory
Inability to concentrate
Lethargy/drowsiness
Insomnia
Mental depression, despondency
Withdrawal
Suicidal tendencies
Manic-depression
Numbness and tingling of hands, feet, fingers, toes, or lips
Muscle weakness progressing to paralysis
Ataxia
Tremors/trembling of hands, feet, lips, eyelids, or tongue
Incoordination
Myasthenia gravis (Graves disease)
Multiple sclerosis

Head, Neck, Oral Cavity Disorders

Bleeding gums
Alveolar bone loss
Loosening of teeth
Excessive salivation
Foul breath
Metallic taste
Burning sensation, with tingling of lips, face
Tissue pigmentation (amalgam tattoo of gums)
Leukoplakia
Stomatitis
Ulceration of gingival, palate, tongue
Dizziness/acute, chronic vertigo
Ringing in the ears
Hearing difficulties
Speech and visual impairment
Glaucoma
Restricted, dim vision

Gastrointestinal Effects

Food sensitivities
Abdominal cramps
Colitis/diverticulitis
Chronic diarrhea/constipation

Cardiovascular Effects

Abnormal heart rhythm
Abnormal blood pressure, either high or low

Immunologic

Repeated infections
Viral and fungal infections
Candida or other yeast infections
Mycobacterial infections
Cancer

Autoimmune disorders

Arthritis
Lupus erythematosus (LE)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Scleroderma
Amyolateral sclerosis (ALS)
Hypothyroidism

Systemic Effects

Chronic headaches
Allergies
Severe dermatitis
Unexplained reactivity
Thyroid disturbance
Subnormal body temperature
Cold, clammy skin, especially hands and feet
Excessive perspiration, with frequent night sweats
Unexplained sensory symptoms, including pain
Unexplained numbness, or burning sensations
Unexplained anemia
Chronic kidney disease
Nephritic syndrome
Patient receiving renal dialysis
Kidney infection
Adrenal disease
General fatigue
Loss of appetite/with or without weight loss
Loss of weight
Hypoglycemia

In Children/Infants

Autism
Slow in speech development
Hands and feet red, swollen, and cold
Intelligence disturbances
Slight, persistent fever
Pyramidal symptoms
Mental retardation
Disturbed body growth
Primitive reflexes
Anorexia
Irritability
Limb deformity
Fretfulness
Weakness
Acrodynia
Cerebral palsy

Due to the compelling evidence implicating mercury amalgam fillings in many disease processes and health disturbances, Dr. Evans, Dr. Nordin-Evans and Dr. Carney have practiced mercury-free dentistry for over 20 years. They believe strongly that the currently available, non-mercury alternatives, can be used for ALL restorative procedures and if a patient truly wants to achieve health and wellbeing, they need to consider removal of their mercury containing dental fillings. It is of great importance to note however, that the patient must be protected (mercury amalgam removal protocol) during the removal process to avoid greater contamination by exposure to the mercury debris.

Detoxifying from heavy metals should be a significant component of any holistic approach to the treatment of chronic illness. It should also be a significant component of any preventive health regimen or "anti-aging" program. PLEASE remember that the only thing worse than having a mouth full of mercury amalgam fillings is having them removed improperly. If you are unable to have Dr. Evans, Dr. Nordin-Evans or Dr. Carney safely replace your fillings, insist that the dentist who does it follows the mercury amalgam removal protocol found on this website, or refer to the protocol listed on the IAOMT website.

For even more information on mercury toxicity please refer to the recommended reading list, or visit the many listed links on this website.

© Copyright 2002- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Groton Dental Wellness Spa, LLP. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.