Mercury poisoning symptoms11/15/2022 Eating fish and shellfish is associated with higher mercury levels, as is working with or handling mercury in an unprotected environment, for example, amateur smelting of gold ore. Most people have measurable but small amounts of mercury in their bodies. Mercury is a naturally occurring substance found in earth, water, and air. (This is one important reason why regular dental care is important.) Removing the old filling, removing the new decay, and replacing the filling may be indicated. If not detected and treated, this tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. In either case, bacteria can enter around the filling and cause further tooth decay, even in the absence of visible cracks or pain. The edges of the fillings may become detached from the teeth that they fill. Continued pressure from chewing may cause filling materials or the teeth around fillings to crack. Some dental practitioners offer these fillings to their patients because they do not contain mercury.Įventually, any filling can fail. They are suitable for tooth surfaces which don't experience a lot of pressure or friction, for example, along the sides of teeth or below the gum line. They are often the choice for fillings in or near the front of the mouth because they are less visible than amalgam fillings. Composite fillings have cosmetic advantages over amalgam fillings because they mimic the color of natural teeth. In recent decades, composite filling materials have become available these contain quartz or glass in resin (plastic). They are less expensive to place than other types of fillings and they usually last longer. They can be inserted more quickly than some other types of fillings, making them useful when treating children. Īmalgam fillings are widely used because they are strong and so provide durable chewing surfaces. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimated that more than one billion dental amalgam fillings were placed between 19. These "silver" fillings have been used since the nineteenth century and are still used millions of times every year in the United States. The components, mixed together in the dentist's office immediately before use, form a hard, stable material. Research continues in order to expand knowledge about any potential effects of amalgam fillings on certain populations, particularly fetuses, breast-fed infants, and very young children.ĭental amalgam fillings contain powdered silver, tin, and copper combined with metallic mercury (liquid mercury, quicksilver). Most scientific studies find no relationship between amalgam fillings and symptoms of mercury poisoning in any age group, although a small number of people have allergic reactions to these fillings. Because mercury has long been recognized as poisonous to humans, concerns about the potential of mercury poisoning from dental amalgams have been addressed by abundant research. The choice of filling materials depends on the location of surface(s) to be repaired, how cooperative the patient is, and several other factors.ĭental amalgam fillings contain mercury and other metals. ĭental cavities are treated by drilling out the decayed material and replacing it with a filling, either an amalgam filling or one of the newer types of tooth-colored composite fillings. Untreated tooth decay leads to holes in the teeth (cavities), infections (abscesses), pain, and tooth loss. The result is acid which can erode dental enamel. Tooth decay begins when bacteria in saliva and plaque, a sticky substance found on gums and teeth, interact with sugars and starches in the diet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 41 percent of children had dental caries in their primary (baby) teeth and 90 percent of adults had caries in their permanent teeth. Most research finds no relationship between fillings and symptoms of mercury poisoning.ĭental caries (tooth decay) are pervasive. Do dental fillings containing amalgam ("silver fillings") cause mercury poisoning?
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