Will the U.S. Government Phase Out Amalgam?

There’s good news for the mercury-free movement in the United States. With the government’s announcement that it will support a phase-down of mercury amalgam, the mercury-free dental community and their members are celebrating what they call a “radical reversal” in the government’s position. Although it’s early in the negotiations, this new development could result in the eventual elimination of mercury-based fillings in the United States.

The dangers versus the benefits of amalgam have long been debated between the pro-mercury faction (made up of members of the World Dental Federation and the American Dental Association) and the mercury-free faction (the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry and Consumers for Dental Choice). The Mercury Policy Project set the groundwork for negotiations regarding a phase out of amalgam at a 2009 World Health Organization meeting, and a series of meetings has resulted in the latest announcement.

According to an April 5, 2011 letter written by Charles G. Brown, National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice and the President of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, the debate has shifted from ‘whether to end amalgam’ to ‘how to end amalgam.’ In his words: “We applaud the U.S. government. But tough work lies ahead. For example, we must demonstrate to the world that the available alternatives – such as composites and the adhesive materials used in atraumatic restorative treatment (“ART”) – can cost less than amalgam and increase access to dental care particularly in developing countries.”

To learn more about mercury free dentistry, visit the website of Dr. Vladimir Gashinksy, a mercury-free, mercury-safe dentist in Millburn, New Jersey at http://www.drgdds.com. You can also find Dr. G on Facebook and on Twitter.

* Full text available at http://www.unep.org/hazardoussubstances/Portals/9/Mercury/Documents/INC3/United%20States.pdf

How to Treat Periodontal Disease

All teeth and gum infections have a bacterial origin. The bacteria that is associated with gum disease, especially in the more advanced stages, is extremely toxic. This is very dangerous because the bacteria and toxins can enter your bloodstream, even when chewing your food in the presence of a gum infection. This bacterial infection can cause changes in your body chemistry that may create more serious health problems.

Recent studies show that not only alcohol, smoking and drug abuse are increasing the risk of premature birth, but now periodontal disease may be one of the threats. With new studies showing the relationship between gum disease and other diseases of the body, it’s time to take this issue seriously. In fact, some dentists say that gum disease needs to be treated with the same kind of intensity as heart disease, diabetes and other major ailments.

Anyone who suspects or knows they have gum disease should have a thorough examination and allow their dentist to develop a plan to eliminate or control it. Certain dentists, like Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky in Millburn, New Jersey, treat periodontal disease aggressively, using a holistic approach to treatment.

Dr. Gashinsky steers clear of antibiotics and surgery in most cases, and instead treats gum disease with herbal remedies and thorough deep cleanings. If this doesn’t solve the problem, this holistic dentist may give a locally delivered antibiotic to kill the bacteria specifically in the area of infection.

To get a check up or to receive compassionate and holistic care from a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey, visit www.drgdds.com. You can also follow Dr. G on twitter and become a friend on Facebook.