Mercury vapor from fillings?

the reason being that although there is no longer any significant debate about the relative toxicity of the mercury in your mouth there remains questions regarding its safe removal.

You see, mercury vaporizes anytime you physically or thermally disturb it. For example, the simple act of brushing your teeth causes mercury vapor to come off the fillings where it can then enter into your mucous membranes in your mouth or possibly be inhaled into your lungs; either pathway results in mercury getting into your bloodstream. Once in your bloodstream, it can travel virtually anywhere in the body, ultimately settling in one tissue or another.

I'd like to bring your attention to an amazing video by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology that demonstrates the tendency of mercury to vaporize upon being rubbed, as you would when brushing your teeth or upon exposure to increased temperatures, such as when drinking a cup of coffee.

This eight and a half minute video clearly shows mercury vapor coming off a 25-year-old tooth with mercury amalgam fillings from simply being physically disturbed with a pencil eraser or when exposed to warm fluid.

The greatest amount of mercury vapor escapes from the tooth when a dentist uses a drill to remove the fillings, and thus the problem. How can you safely remove mercury from your teeth without re-exposing your body to even greater concentrations of this dangerous metal?

The decision to remove the fillings is best discussed with your health care professional. If you do choose to remove please look for a dentist that offers the following:

Keep the fillings cool during the drilling process. By reducing the amount of heat generated during the process, far less mercury vaporizes.
Use a high-volume suction device, called an evacuator. This tool will quickly remove mercury as it is being removed from the tooth.
Many dentists will also use a cannula to allow you to breathe 100% oxygen. Doing so further minimizes your tendency to inhale vaporized mercury.
Use rubber damming. This diminishes absorption of mercury as well.
Consider pre-treatment with anti-oxidants such as a high dose Vitamin C and Activated Charcoal. Activated charcoal is particularly good at absorbing inadvertently swallowed mercury particles.

Xtend-Life Expert

May 19th, 2010

2 Responses

Thanks for bringing the article to everyones attention! My question is, what would be the easiest way to remedy this situation? I have had a few cavities filled when i was a kid, and now want to get those removed/replaced with a safer resin material. Is that a safe bet?

Brad R May 21 2010

Hello Brad

There is an easy answer. But it is not simple to implement globally!

That is to ban mercury fillings. For sure, some countries are doing this: In February, 1994 Sweden announced a total ban on the use of mercury fillings in young adults. Denmark, Germany and Austria followed suit. In Switzerland and Japan, the dental schools no longer teach amalgam use as the primary source of dental care.

But for other countries mercury still reigns supreme because of the vested interests in keeping it. Same old story: profit before health.

What can you do?

1. Consider the alternative filling materials.

For example, gold works well, but it is expensive, and can corrode. It doesn’t look very natural either! Additionally, it is not a practical choice for children because of the cost and the lengthy procedure. Other choices include porcelains, glass, and composites that both fix a tooth, and truly restore it. That is, restore not only its function, but also its natural appearance.

Of course you would need to consider the health effects of these alternatives. But to date they would appear to be a safer option to mercury.
<a href= http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/dental-amalgam/index.htm >http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/dental-amalgam/index.htm

2. Stop chewing gum!

Chewing gum IS NOT good for mercury filled teeth! Studies have shown that gum chewing greatly increases the exposure to mercury.

One recent study found that heavy gum chewers had twice the amount of mercury in their blood and three times the level in their urine and breath exhalation than did infrequent chewers. And if you were to compare with those who don’t chew gum at all, the difference would likely be even greater. <a href= http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/01/21/mercury-gum.aspx >
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/01/21/mercury-gum.aspx

However, despite the grave risks, gum manufacturers are NOT required to put any kind of warnings on their products regarding increased mercury release.

3. Avoid eating mercury rich foods daily

To be avoided are some types of Fish and HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) which is in so many common foods.
<a href= http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/advice/ >http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/advice/ and
<a href= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html >
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html

Xtend-Life Expert May 24 2010

Mercury vapor from fillings?

2 Responses

Leave a comment (all fields required)

You may also like...

Total Balance: How long does it take to work?

Sleep Is More Important Than You Realise

Latest Research on NAD+ Underscores its Broad Benefits

Search