Mercury fillings are used to fill cavities. They are made up of various metals, but typically contain 50% mercury by weight. These silver fillings may be linked to mercury exposure that is not only bad for your oral health but may be absorbed into your brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. The question becomes, should you have your mercury fillings removed?
Because the word “mercury” is rightly associated with poison, the conventional dental community has come up with much nicer words to describe what they’re putting in dental patients’ mouths. Mercury fillings are also called:
- Amalgam fillings
- Mercury amalgam fillings
- Dental amalgam fillings
- Silver fillings
- Silver amalgam fillings
Are mercury fillings still used?
Yes, mercury fillings are still used. They are probably the most popular cavity filler. Used in the United States for over 150 years, mercury fillings have been controversial since their introduction. When dental amalgam was introduced, the only US dental association at that time declared the use of mercury fillings to be malpractice. After all, fatal cases of methylmercury poisoning were turning up by the mid-1800s. But then the American Dental Association (ADA) was founded. They have since defended the problematic use of dental amalgam, which definitely poses public health risks for many individuals. Instead of filling cavities with dental amalgam, look for a mercury free dentistry, who is able to fill your cavity with a mercury alternative, such as porcelain or composite fillings.
How much mercury is in amalgam/silver fillings?
Amalgam/silver fillings contain about 50% elemental mercury by weight.
When did they stop using mercury in fillings? Most dentists have never stopped using mercury in fillings. In the United States, about half of all dentists still use dental amalgam as a low-cost dental filling option. The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that dental amalgam “contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper, and tin, in addition to mercury.” As if “in addition to” would downplay the heaping serving of mercury being stuck into patients’ teeth! What is in dental amalgam? Here is the approximate breakdown of low-copper amalgam:
- 50% mercury
- 22-32% silver
- 14% tin
- 8% zinc
- Other trace metal
34 Evidence-Based Dangers
There is more and more evidence being published that shows silver fillings may lead to mercury toxicity or mercury poisoning in some individuals.
Amalgam fillings are the number one source of mercury exposure in humans. Autopsy studies reveal that bodies with amalgam fillings have 2-12 times the levels of mercury present in their skin than bodies without amalgam fillings.
Can mercury fillings cause health problems? Scientific evidence has linked amalgam fillings to the following health conditions:
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (AKA Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Anxiety
- Appetite loss
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cardiovascular issues
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Depression
- Endocrine disruption
- Gingivitis
- Hallucinations
- Headaches
- Hearing loss
- Insomnia
- Kidney issues
- Liver issues
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nervous system issues
- Oral cancer
- Oral lichen planus
- Parkinson’s disease
- Miscarriage or newborn death
- Periodontal disease
- Reproductive dysfunction/infertility
- Respiratory issues
- Restless leg syndrome
- Suicidal ideation
- Thyroid disorders
- Tremors
- Weight loss
Why are mercury fillings still used?
Amalgam fillings are still used because they are inexpensive and durable, though many individuals have reported adverse effects due to mercury exposure from amalgam fillings.
- Amalgam fillings are cheap — often hundreds of dollars cheaper than other filling materials.
- Mercury is durable, yet it easily forms to the shape of your tooth.
- Mercury is antibacterial. Amalgam fillings actually kill bacteria around them and can prevent the spread of tooth decay in the tooth structure they’re connected to.
- A lot of people never experience adverse health effects from amalgam fillings, so most government and health agencies still consider them overall safe to use.
Should you have silver fillings removed?
Yes, you should have your fillings replaced, if your dentist examines your unique case and determines it is wise. That’s the simple answer. Dental professionals should make this decision with their patient on a case by case basis. The problem with removing restorative material made with mercury is that the act of removal may cause more mercury exposure than leaving it in. Talk to your dentist about removing your fillings if any of the following are true:
- You have significant mercury levels circulating in your blood
- You exhibit adverse effects of mercury exposure (insomnia, muscle weakness, dizziness, mood swings, headaches, tremors, etc.)
- You have had or could have mercury fillings for several decades
You’re most exposed to mercury in the 24 hours after the dental amalgam filling is placed, and then in the 24 hours after they’re removed. Should mercury fillings be removed? Yes, they should be removed, as long as your dentist has examined your situation and deemed it appropriate. If you’re showing no allergic reaction or chronic health issues or traceable mercury levels, the removal of amalgam fillings may expose yourself to more mercury for little to no reason.
