Mercury amalgam fillings, commonly called silver fillings, are found very commonly in both children and adults. The material that composes these types of dental fillings is made from a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. Some mixtures contain as high as 55 percent mercury. In the last decade, research has shown the alarming health implications silver fillings have in the body due to their toxicity. Understanding these potential health implications is important in order to make informed decisions when undergoing dental procedures.

Mercury Exposure and Its Health Risks
According to the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT), mercury is a known neurotoxin, and this poison is recognized as a chemical of major concern because it poses a dangerous threat to public health. Most human exposure results from fish consumption or dental amalgam reports the National Institutes of Health and the IAOMT. Amalgam releases mercury vapors throughout its lifecycle, especially when the dentist places the amalgam in a tooth, but it can be intensified by the number of fillings and other activities such as chewing food or gum, brushing teeth, teeth-grinding, and by consumption of hot liquids. Mercury is also known to be released at a higher dose during the removal of dental amalgam fillings according to the Campaign for Mercury Free Dentistry and the IAOMT.

Adverse health effects that can be associated with mercury include fatigue and weakness, headaches, cognitive issues (brain fog, memory loss), mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating), digestive problems, metallic taste in the mouth, systemic inflammation, hormonal imbalance and cardiovascular problems. Toxic effects of mercury exposure can present as a combination of symptoms that may change over time.

The potential effects of silver fillings on the body vary by individual. An array of co-existing factors influences this personalized reaction to dental mercury, including the presence of other health conditions. The number of fillings in the mouth, dental habits and the immune system of an individual can all contribute to different symptoms and levels of toxicity, too. While some individuals react very poorly to low levels of mercury exposure, others might experience subtle or non-specific symptoms.

Managing Mercury Exposure and Safe Amalgam Removal
Mercury accumulates in the body, and any amount of mercury taken into the body should be considered hazardous. The effects of mercury exposure are even more insidious because it can take many years for symptoms of mercury poisoning to manifest, especially with low-level and chronic exposure. It’s important to prevent and minimize exposure to mercury from silver fillings when other biocompatible options are available.

While mercury silver fillings have been widely used in dentistry for over 150 years, concerns about the potential health risks associated with exposure have been extensively studied by the IAOMT and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM). The recommendation is to use a SMART protocol for safe amalgam removal or the removal of metal fillings with mercury in them. It should be done by an experienced, certified and accredited dentist to ensure it is done correctly and to minimize health hazards and side effects that can occur with amalgam removal.