Dental amalgam is the most commonly used dental restorative material used for dental fillings. First introduced in France in the early 1800s, it contains a mixture of mercury with at least one other metal. Amalgam has been the restorative method of choice for many years due to its low cost, ease of application, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic (ability to hinder the formation of tooth decay) effects. Factors that have led to decline in use are a lingering concern about detrimental health effects, aesthetics, and environmental pollution.

 

 

 

 

When an amalgam filling is placed the mercury inside the filling is chemically bonded to other elements. At this point it poses no threat to you. Over the years due to oxidation and the continuous use and grinding down of this filling, mercury gets released from its chemical bond and enters your system. Obviously this will be more pronounced the heavier your teeth are filled.

 

 

 

• Peripheral neuropathy – presenting as paresthesia or itching, burning or pain
• Skin discoloration – pink cheeks, finger tips and toes
• Edema – swelling
• Desquamation – dead skin peals of in layers
• Hyperhidrosis – profuse sweating
• Tachycardia – persistently faster-than-normal heart beat
• Mercurial ptyalism – hyper salivation
• Hypertension – high blood pressure
• Kidney dysfunction
• Memory impairment
• Insomnia
• Affected children may show red cheeks and nose, erythematous lips (red lips), loss of hair, teeth, and nails, transient rashes, hypotonia (muscle weakness) and photophobia.

HISTORY

How does mercury get released into my body?

 

Signs and symptoms of increased mercury in the blood