FDA to Study Harmful Effects of Mercury in Amalgam Fillings

Traditional dentists and those with a holistic approach to dentistry are keeping their eyes open for news covering the debate about the toxicity of amalgam fillings that contain mercury. Amalgam fillings are silver-colored and have been used by dentists since the civil war to treat and prevent tooth decay.

However, reports of environmental pollution and illness related to metals in the mouth have many people concerned. As a result, scientists are studying the potential detrimental health effects of mercury in fillings. Also, anti-mercury activists are insisting they be heard. Meanwhile, mercury-free, mercury-safe dentists, including Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, are taking pro-active steps to eliminate mercury in their practices.

An article dated May 5, 2011 appeared in the Los Angeles Times and discussed the amalgam filling debate. The article, titled “Mercury in Dental Fillings Comes Under Fire at FDA Meeting in Orlando,” points out that the FDA considers mercury to be toxic, but has determined that amalgam fillings are safe. The same is true for the American Dental Association. However, this doesn’t sit well with Dr. Gashinsky who practices holistic dentistry in Millburn, New Jersey, or with Dr. James Hardy, a dentist and author of the book "Mercury Free.”

During the FDA’s town-hall meeting in Orland, Dr. Hardy voiced his concerns about amalgam fillings and pointed out an irony. "After it [an amalgam filling] is taken out of a patient's mouth, it is treated as hazardous waste. But somehow, when it is in the patient's mouth, it is not." The doctor also said that the U.S. should consider following the actions of Sweden, Denmark and Norway who in recent years have banned the use of mercury fillings.

Potential harmful effects of mercury in amalgam fillings include chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects, oral lesions and mental disorders (according to Wikipedia). Even so, the debate over the use of amalgam fillings also involves economics and functionality. Advocates for amalgam say it is durable, cheap and easy to use, compared to the alternatives, including composite materials and gold.

Dr. Jeff Shuren, head of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiologic Health headed up May’s Orland meeting. He noted that a scientific panel has been reconvened to study the agency's position on amalgam.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky is a mercury-free, mercury-safe dentist in Millburn, New Jersey. With a holistic approach to dentistry, Dr. Gashinsky deals with the causes of issues related to the mouth and gums, not just the symptoms. To learn more about mercury-free dentistry, visit the website of Dr. Vladimir Gashinksy, go to http://www.drgdds.com. You can also find Dr. G on Facebook and on Twitter.

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