Matériel éducatif

Mercury (Hg): A Poison In Your Mouth

QHDA

The Quebec Holistic Dental Association is a non-profit organization comprised of dentists whose practice philosophy is centered on a global vision of health.

This philosophy is based on the following principles:

"First do no harm" (Hyppocrates' first precept) and "Treat the person, not the symptom"

Holistic dentists apply these two principles by using more biocompatible restorative materials.

This folder expresses the concerns of the members of the QHDA concerning the use of dental amalgam and, in particular, concerning its mercury content.

Beware

Don't go from the frying pan into the fire! In removing dental amalgam without appropriate protection you will risk being exposed to elevated toxic mercury vapors. Be well informed before deciding.

"Silver" Fillings

Dentists have been using amalgam to fill cavities for over 160 years. "Silver" fillings actually contain 50% mercury and are used to restore approximately 80% of cavities. The use of dental amalgam has restored teeth and improved mastication for millions of people over the years. Dentists appreciate its clinical properties: it is durable, easily inserted in a cavity and relatively inexpensive.

Good Clinical Performance

Although its physical properties have been evaluated and continuously improved, its biological properties have totally been ignored until recently.

Vaporization

It was long believed that the mercury was chemically locked-in with the other metals in amalgam: silver, tin, copper and zinc. Recently, however, technology has allowed us to detect mercury vapor leaching out of these fillings.

A Poison

Mercury - even in very small quantities - is a poison more toxic than lead, arsenic or cadmium. And the vapors that come off amalgam are readily absorbed through the lungs and rapidly transported to all organs of the body where it can cause harm; health problems may occur much later in a very insidious way.

The Controversy

Studies published in professional dental journals shed doubt on the reports of any dangers associated with mercury in amalgams. This is why most dentists still use it today and believe it is safe.

Research published in medical journals, however, relate mercury amalgam to many functional disorders.

Studies are currently being done on the effects of amalgam on Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, renal problems and many other diseases of unknown origin. Hundreds of individuals have already reported the improvement of a number of chronic symptoms after having had their amalgams removed. Related symptoms are:

• Periods of depression
• Irritability
• Tingling and numbness in extremities
• Urgent need to urinate (at night)
• Chronic fatigue
• Cold hands and feet
• Memory loss
• Bouts of anger
• Habitual constipation
• Twitching of face or other muscles
• Difficulty taking minor decisions
• Frequent cramping of legs
• Ringing in the ears
• Skin irritation
• Frequent itching
• Metallic taste
• Suicidal thoughts
• Unexplained chest pain

Disturbing Facts

• The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that the most important source of mercury for the general population that is not exposed industrially is from dental amalgams.
• An average dental amalgam filling contains enough mercury to exceed the limit recommended by the American EPA for a period of 100 years.
• Toxicology experts agree that the smallest quantity of mercury that does not cause harm is still unknown.
• Amalgam waste - the part that the dentist does not use - is considered "hazardous waste" for the environment.
• When a dentist removes a piece of amalgam and places it on a shelf, it again becomes "hazardous waste" and must be manipulated with caution. If this waste is found in the environment, the dentist may have to pay a fine.
• Sweden and Germany have already begun to reduce or eliminate the use of amalgam.
• Only twelve parts per trillion in water constitutes a real danger for aquatic life.

In 1996, Health Canada Recommended That Dentists:

Avoid using mercury to restore children's teeth.

Avoid placing or removing amalgam in the teeth of pregnant women.

Avoid using dental amalgams in patients suffering from kidney ailments.

Use methods and equipment to reduce the risks of exposure to mercury vapor to protect their patients and their staff.

Avoid using amalgams in patients who risk suffering from allergic hypersensitivity (5 to 15% of the population).

On the advice of a physician, remove amalgams from a patient who has become sensitive.

Avoid placing amalgam in contact with other metal appliances in the mouth (orthodontic appliances, etc).

Fully inform patients of the risks and benefits involved.

Recognize patient's right to refuse treatment using a" specific material."

Considering these facts, do you still feel mercury should be used to restore your teeth?

For more information on this subject or to contact a dentist in your area who has been accredited in the safe removal of mercury fillings, contact the QHDA at: (514) 333-4020.

Conventional Position

The Canadian and American dental associations still support the use of mercury amalgam fillings. They feel that because they have been used for over 160 years, they must be safe and they are unaware of scientific studies demonstrating that exposure to mercury fillings can cause disease.

Attention: Pregnant Women

The Canadian, Swedish and German governments recommend no dental work be done either inserting, polishing or removing amalgams during pregnancy and breast feeding in order to protect the child from excessive accumulation of mercury in its tissues. The QHDA supports this position.