Are Silver Fillings a Health Threat? Possibly!
Posted: Saturday, June 14, 2008
by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
According to the Food and Drug Administration, silver dental fillings may pose a threat to two groups that are presently urged to limit mercury from another source, seafood. Silver dental fillings contain mercury, and the government for the first time is warning that, "There may pose a safety concern for pregnant women and young children." The Food and Drug Administration posted the precaution on its website this month, to settle a lawsuit, making the move a victory for anti-mercury activists.
That doesn't mean it truly harms, and the FDA advises against removing existing fillings. Amalgam fillings are about 50 percent mercury, joined with silver, copper and tin. They also cost more which is one reason silver fillings enjoy a more widespread use over resin composite. Composite is blended to match the color of a patient's enamel giving a cosmetic benefit and possibly a safer alternative.
The FDA is still studying whether the small amount of mercury vapor released by chewing and brushing is enough to cause neurologic disorders or other problems in youngsters. There have been only a handful of rigorous studies comparing children given either amalgam fillings or tooth-colored resin composite fillings that are mercury-free. Those studies haven't detected any brain problems.
This spring, the FDA put dentists on notice that it is considering additional controls, including whether to require warnings that would advise consumers of the mercury in amalgams before they have a cavity filled, or perhaps even restrict use in small children and certain other patients. While a decision is being made, the FDA is accepting comments from the public until the end of July when a ruling will likely be made.
"Science operates on a precautionary principle," said Dr. Karl Kieburtz, a University of Rochester neurologist who co-chaired the 2006 FDA advisory committee and praised the new warning. He also said, "For 99 percent-plus of people, there probably isn't harm. But if there is a group of people who might be at risk, they should at least have the knowledge that may be so." There is much agreement with Dr. Kieburtz, this writer included.
If you recall, mercury fillings have been linked to Multiple Sclerosis in the past. The evidence was inconclusive as this group is not among those receiving the warning.
One report stated, "Several other countries limit amalgams, either as a precaution in pregnant women and small children or because of environmental concern." Dental workers make amalgam fillings by mixing liquid mercury with powdered ingredients, requiring special safety steps and filters to limit waste seeping back into the environment.
2008 by Avis Ward of AWard Company, LLC
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Hi Avis, thanks for sharing this information. I can understand the concern especially since mercury in infant immunizations have been linked to autism. Now, on the lighter side of things, it does help explain my accident-prone life. As a kid I had many cavities filled with these types of fillings. At least I can finally blame my dentist! But seriously, I do hope for more conclusive evidence as the health of our children depend on it.Teresa, love the sense of humor. You made me laugh. I love to laugh! I didn't know that about the link to autism. Thanks for reading and commenting. Too much catches my attention. Thanks for labeling my writing about it as "great trivia." I appreciate the support, as well. Have a good night's rest, my dear friend.
Avis as one who brushes regulary and after every meal or at least rinses I now know the cause of all my mental state. In fact I even have a very wealthy tooth in my mouth, Gold. I'm glad it is not Silver, boy I was worried for a moment. I thought I had to run up to you and have it pulled out? We wouldn't want a rush for it now, with the price of Gold being what it is? Well now that you know the personal histroy of my mouth I know you can forgive me even more for my rash outbursts. You see there is always a logical reason. Only kidding but I always wondered why the dentist placed gold in there when he had other materials? he must also be an undertaker? Best wished and I hope you got a smile. Robert.Robert, you gave me more than a smile, a big laugh out loud! I've taken in a former co-worker who's going through a divorce and she has become used to these outbursts. She asked, "okay, what now?" She laughed also when I read your comments to her. I'm happy we've found an explanation for your "rash outbursts." One can only image what you would be like if you had mere silver instead of gold in your mouth! (Are you laughing?) Thanks for stopping by to read and leaving your comments. Happy Father's Day to you. I pray it's been a most memorable and enjoyable day for you, Sir Robert. My very best!
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