puricarexfiles: MERCURY AMALGAM - Mercury is toxic to humans. Dental amalgam fillings, which uses a 50% mercury base combined with other metals, is one of the most common types of exposure. The brain and the kidney suffer the greatest amount of damage. And the damage does not take a long time to develop.

MERCURY AMALGAM

10 Shocking Facts about Mercury Amalgam

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

Mercury is toxic to humans. Dental amalgam fillings, which uses a 50% mercury base combined with other metals, is one of the most common types of exposure.

Research proving the extensive damage mercury can cause to human tissue and brain function is why I advocate discontinuing their use and, if you have them, their removal.

The following 10 facts expose the dangers of mercury amalgam. And after reading these, you will probably want to confirm what type of filling material your dentist uses – and possibly make a change!

1. Mercury Fillings Leak

Exposure to mercury from fillings results from erosion of the filling, or from evaporation from the surface of the filling.

In one study, using a variety of X-ray imaging technologies, scientists examined the movement of mercury through the tooth.

They found mercury in the tooth several millimeters away from the site of the filling.

They also found higher concentrations of mercury in the area of the tooth, which connects with the gum, suggesting exposure to the blood stream. It was also found in the tartar on the teeth.

Conclusion? This stuff does not stay put!

2. Removing Amalgam Fillings Requires Caution!

At least, that’s the word based on a recent review of the filling removal process.

The review noted the importance of proper patient preparation before and after the procedure to minimize exposure and ensure complete removal.

The goal is to prevent absorption of mercury during the process. It really begs the question why some dentists still use mercury amalgam?

3. Mercury is Immediately Toxic!

Mercury can enter the body through ingestion, the blood stream, and through inhalation.

Once in the body, it is quickly absorbed and distributed to the major organs.

The brain and the kidney suffer the greatest amount of damage. And the damage does not take a long time to develop.

A study of children 8-18 observed kidney damage in children with mercury amalgam exposure. They found chemical indicators of kidney damage in the urine of children with the dental amalgam.

4. Mercury May Be Linked to Autism

The horrible effect that mercury has on the brain has been known for centuries. Mercury exposure during key developmental stages has been linked to autism spectrum disorders.

One study found that women with six or more amalgam fillings were 3x more likely to have children with severe autism compared to those with five or less fillings.

5. Mercury Affects Hormone Levels

The damaging effects of mercury are not limited to the kidneys and brain; it also affects the adrenal system.

Once absorbed into the blood stream, five potential consequences have been observed:

· It accumulates in the organs that regulate hormone function.

· It damages the tissue of these organs.

· Hormone concentrations change.

· Mercury interacts specifically interacts with sex hormones.

· Enzyme production is affected.

Those are not the only problems; testosterone and mercury combine to create a toxic neurochemical.

Estrogen appears to reduce the effect of mercury and offers some degree of protective effect.

Researchers have suggested this difference may explain the difference in the way autism affects boys and girls.

6. Men Are At Greater Risk

Although not related to autism, mercury’s effect on DNA function has also been shown to be gender specific.

A survey among dental professionals evaluated the impact of regular exposure to mercury amalgam on DNA health.

The study found the greatest negative impact on DNA function occurred in men.

7. Mercury Harms the Thyroid

Seventy-five women-child pairs were evaluated for the impact of mercury exposure and thyroid function.

The study covered the pre-natal through post-natal period. The results identified low-levels of mercury, such as those from amalgam fillings, to impact thyroid hormone levels.

A healthy thyroid is very important for development, especially neurological function, and this should be a red flag to any woman intending to have children!

8. Mercury Fillings Affect Oral Health

Amalgam fillings are toxic to mouth tissue. A study released earlier this year analyzed oral cells from 63 men and women.

Independent of other factors such as alcohol and smoking, those with fillings containing mercury showed cellular and DNA damage.

9. Mercury Amalgam is Dangerous to Children

Based on the research, mercury-based fillings for children can best be described as irresponsible.

An ongoing study reported in 2012 that children with mercury fillings have increased levels of mercury in their body, year after year. The control group of children without fillings did not show this same rise.

Another study has linked several aspects of oral health, specifically burning-mouth sensation, ulcers, and white patches to the presence of mercury fillings.

10. Medical Officials are Aware of All of This!

Medical officials have been aware of the dangers of mercury amalgam fillings for well over a decade.

Records going back to 2001 report increasing levels of mercury in the liver, kidney, and brain in individuals with amalgam fillings.

Researchers have even identified it in the amniotic fluid and placenta of pregnant women – and the meconium (the initial blackish poop) of newborn babies.

Even with the knowledge about the danger of mercury and mercury vapors, amalgam fillings have been used in children as young as 26 months, just past their 2nd birthday!

Before you or the children you love get another dental filling, be sure to ask your dentist what they use.

If it’s a mercury amalgam, also called dental amalgam, request alternatives… or find another dentist!

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