Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

GoGirl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:40:11 GMT

Perhaps this toxin may have some relationship to increasing Alzheimer's disease.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

llopinto — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:34:34 GMT

Thanks for the article, Sharon. This is an important issue that more people should know about.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:56:01 GMT

Last night I watched a senate sub-committee debate the safety of bisphenol-A, or BPA. BPA is a component of composites, the alternative to dental amalgams. What happens when those are outlawed as well? There are no reasonable alternatives.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

Bluelady — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:45:13 GMT

I agree with GoGirl about this maybe have some effect on us as we age, I know both my Mother and GrandMother had Alzheimer's and a mouth full of fillings. I have a few and without becoming one of those people that worries about every little thing this is something worth considering. Thank you for your comments and ideas.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

sndoverfl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:09:32 GMT

Darrell:

The dental industry has gotten a pass from the FDA dental devices division on all its fillings and other products, even though its statutory mandate is to assure safety of dental products for dental consumers. It is run by ADA dentists who have staked their careers on protecting the use of mercury amalgam (the ADA was founded in 1859 on the controversial use of mercury fillings - the previous medical dentists had to take an oath not to use the known neurotoxin and they were run out of business). The FDA-Dental is concerned that a product work for its intended purpose (fill a cavity and remain there). Dentists are tooth mechanics, not toxicologists.

Yes - some composites contain Bisphenol-A and some purposefully leak fluoride (a whole other topic of the failure of science to win out over politics), however, there are many biocompatible products on the market. Naturopaths can do a biocompatibility test on the products proposed for implantation in your mouth. I personally had DiamondLite and DiamondCrown placed in my mouth, which do not contain BPA. Despite ADA spin to the contrary, they have lasted a decade and I expect them to continue to last.

Go Girl: Your speculation about Alzheimer's and mercury fillings has a lot of evidence to support it. Scientists have found that they can cause neurofibrillar tangles, amyloid plaques and phosphloration of tau (hallmarks of Alzheimer's that pathologists look for in an autopsy) by exposing the brain to extremely low levels of mercury.

See this: "Mercury / Alzheimer's Disease Connection Found

A study related to mercury and Alzheimer's Disease was recently completed by a team of scientists led by well-respected researcher Dr. Boyd Haley. They exposed rats to levels of mercury vapor diluted to account for size differences between humans and rats. The rats developed tissue damage "indistinguishable" from that of Alzheimer's Disease. Repeating the experiment showed the same results. Dr. Haley is quoted as saying "I'm getting the rest of my fillings taken out right now, and I've asked my wife to have hers replaced too." Also see: http://www.holistic-dentistry.com/artalzeimer.asp" http://www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam/ The scientific journal article that came out of that experiment is:

Pendergass JC, Haley BE, et al, Mercury vapor inhalation inhibits binding of GTP to tubulin in rat brain: similarity to a molecular lesion in Alzheimer diseased brain, Neurotoxicology. 1997;18(2):315-24.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:56:02 GMT

I don't know about that, sndoverfl. There are holistic therapy advocates just like you wht are saying terrible things about BPA. All one has to do is google search bisphenol-A. Who are we to believe?

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

nohggrandma — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:36:12 GMT

I love the title of your article – MERCURY tooth fillings: FDA Does an About Face. Ms. Sharon Begley has done more to share the truth about mercury dental fillings than the average dentist.

According to a poll taken in 2006 by Zogby’s International, 76% of dental consumers still don’t know that any silver fillings in their mouths contain mercury. Shame on FDA, the American Dental Association and dentists for not telling the public the truth that silver amalgam dental fillings are 50% mercury and the many health risks of mercury fillings.

Shame on the FDA for having to be sued to start doing their job. The FDA has worked too long for the dental industry and it is long overdue and now time for the FDA to start protecting the American people and get the truth out about the dangers of mercury dental fillings.

I want everyone to know that every dentist has to treat mercury amalgam scrap as hazardous waste. But more significantly, every dentist that uses mercury amalgam in their practice knows that the mercury amalgam container has skull and cross bones and hazardous warnings on the label.

MERCURY is a poison whether it is in a thermometer, a switch or a tooth.

We all need to keep using the words mercury dental fillings and share the dangers of them until mercury dental fillings are banned.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:23:47 GMT

Dear nohgrandma:

I get the point, already. But what are we to do? Are there any save alternatives?

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

Sandella — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:23:41 GMT

14 years ago a maxillofacial surgeon put mercury on the tips of the roots of a molar during an apecoectomy procedure. I was unaware of this and began having severe facial pain on that side of my face. I was diagnosed with "trigeminal neuralgia" considered to be "the most painful disorder known to man" and coined "the suicide disease" because so many commit suicide because the pain is unbearable. My life stopped and became all about surviving the pain. A few months ago a holistic dentist discovered the mercury and extracted the tooth. He also found mercury on top of the tooth, under the crown. This was the best day of my 52 years! All my pain went away immediately and I'm pain free. Mercury is potentially devistating for people of all ages, not just pregnant women and children. So are root canals!!! I'm living proof, but that's another story! Look into Dr. George Meinig's book "Root Canal Cover-Up".

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

lsherm47 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:35:03 GMT

Mercury poisoning and two infected root canals destroyed my mental and physical functioning. I sincerely hope that information about the life destroying symptoms will be made widely available and acknowledged,

See:

http://mercurypoisoningsymptoms.blogspot.com/

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

beckydutton7 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:55:20 GMT

During the 1970's I worked as a dental practice manager and nurse. I mixed amalgams for fillings every day without any personal protection equipment and throughout my pregnancy. My daughter's exposure to mercury in utero caused a neurological condition and Scoliosis. She had major spinal surgery and a titanium rod screwed into her spine. I was diagnosed with mercury poisoning in 2004 - nearly 40 years after working in a dental surgery. I now correspond and work with scientists around the world.

In August 2007 I created a website www.mercurymadness.org which is full of up to date information on the devastating effect of mercury on health. Norway has banned mercury from January 1st 2008 - Sweden and Denmark are about to do the same - isn't it time we stopped using such an antiquated tooth material when composite alternative fillings are 200 times safer than amalgam?

Each tooth with an average amalgam filling contains between one half to three quarters of a gram of mercury i.e. between 0.5 to 0.75 grams of mercury. Most people have between 6 to 12 amalgams fillings in their mouths which amounts to 3 to 4 grams of mercury. It is a known fact that mercury crosses the placenta to the foetus; this is because mercury vapour is fat soluble and will penetrate the placental membrane.

In one study researchers found a significant correlation between maternal mercury-blood levels and mercury-blood levels in the newborn infant.

Please look on my website for more scientific facts.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:40:57 GMT

OK. I see your point about mercury. At this time, the FDA is investigating the safety of BPA - a component in composite resins and sealants. This is the only other tooth-filling material available. What happens if next year BPA is banned from fillings as well? Will we have to lose teeth to simple decay?

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

Marie Flowers — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:43:10 GMT

I testified before the FDA Advisory panel in 2006 when they were investigating the connection between mercury fillings and neurological diseases. You can read a detailed report of the hearing, see pictures of dentists, dental assistants, an attorney and people like myself who testified at the hearings on my web site. www.MercuryPoisoned.com

An Ohio attorney testified she lost her legal practice after being poisoned when a dentist drilled through a mercury filling to put in a toxic root canal. She lost her memory and left her newborn baby alone on the changing table. A dentist from Georgia testified that a blood vessel ruptured in his chest cavity because of his unprotected mercury exposure while removing mercury fillings during his career. He was furious that his dental school training did not introduce him to safe equipment to reduce his exposure to mercury vapor.

On my web site you can find 3 ways people are commonly poisoned from amalgam fillings, how to find and interview a safe biological dentist and how to find a doctor experienced in detoxing and treating heavy metals.

It is VERY DANGEROUS having these fillings removed unless the dentist has had special training in reducing his patient’s exposure to mercury vapor. He DOES NOT not learn this in dental school. However, not all dentists listed on holistic dental websites are safe. Some have their names on online list just to increase their referrals. It is very unfortunate when people are trying to find a safe dentist that they just can't go online and trust the dentist because he is listed on a holistic site. That is why you need to know how fillings should be removed safely and then interview the dentist yourself to make sure he is following the safe protocols.

It is like walking through a landmine trying to find help in this subject. Most doctors know nothing about mercury toxicity from dental fillings so asking them will benefit you very little. Alternative health doctors may know about mercury toxicity but may too aggressive in their detox program. So you need to do lots of research in 1) having fillings removed safely and 2) how to detox safely.

DAMS (Dental Amalgam Mercury Solution) is a non profit organization that helps people find alternative health doctors and biological dentists when one is poisoned. You can receive an information packet from DAMS at 1-800-311-6265 and a list of dentists in your state. Do your homework and be safe. You health will depend on it. Even if you only have one filling removed unsafely by your hometown dentist, you could become poisoned, especially if you have a low immune system, or have other mercury exposure from vaccines, the environment, or from eating fish high in mercury.

Dr. Boyd Haley, chemistry professor from the University of Kentucky says dentists are giving people neurological diseases everyday.

For more information see www.MercuryPoisoned.com

Marie Flowers

DAMS Activist in Virginia

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:26:47 GMT

Dear Marie Flowers: What is the safe alternative to amalgam fillings?

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

mgoose811@hotmail.com — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:54:10 GMT

"Needleman wrote: variations in a gene called coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX4) “altered the impact of mercury on cognitive and mood scores. Approximately 25% of the US population” has the sensitive-to-mercury gene." I am struck by this quote. The FDA and the CDC continue to say that mercury preservatives in vaccines are harmless and have not caused autism. But if 25% of the population has genetic mercury sensitivity, does this not contradict this position?

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:16:04 GMT

I think it is clear to anyone reading this discussion that there are people who have a visceral hatred of mercury. Can any of you tell your audience if there is a alternative filling material that is safe?

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:43:24 GMT

GoGirl, llopinto, Bluelady, sndoverfl, nohggrandma, Sandella.lsherm47, beckydutton7, Marie Flowers who is a DAMS Activist in Virginia and mgoose811@hotmail.com all really, really dislike amalgam fillings, yet not a single one has offered a safe alternative. Does that seem odd to anyone else? Darrell Pruitt DDS

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:20:50 GMT

I have noticed that the anti-amalgamists are pretty quiet. The FDA has just turned their way. Why are they not celebrating this?

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

beckydutton7 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:06:10 GMT

Darrell,

BPA does not compare to mercury for toxicity. There are many new filling materials in development that will reduce or eliminate BPA totally. Also, one gets more BPA from drinking from a plastic coke bottle than from a composite filling as the release of BPA is surface area dependent. Worry about the composite fillings after we get rid of plastic drink containers.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:02:46 GMT

Dear Becky,

You say there are many new filling materials in development that will reduce or eliminate BPA totally. Can you name one?

I am curious about the material because I have not heard of anything that does not include BPA as a component - other than mercury-silver alloys of course. Even denture plastic leaches BPA.

You say that we should worry about the composite fillings after we get rid of plastic drink containers. You may not realize this, but dentists will be reluctant to place composite fillings if baby bottle makers get hammered with lawsuits because of BPA. Your attitude does not help.

Both Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Sen. Charles Schumer of NY are sponsoring bills to ban bisphenol-A. I cannot imagine an exception being made for dental composites - which are after all, in a person’s mouth 24 hours a day and immersed in saliva.

Since the anti-BPA advocates’ goals and your goals are mutually exclusive in dentistry, those who have attorneys’ fees tied up in the lawsuit with the FDA over amalgams should speed up their case because the anti-BPA crowd is making rapid progress. The attorneys surely know that whoever gets their judgment in first wins everything, including attorneys’ fees. Common sense tells us that nobody will vote on a bill that leaves Americans without any filling materials at all. I hope I exaggerated that possibility. Surely as a nation we are not that stupid.

Thanks for your response. This is what is needed. Open and rational discussion. Darrell

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:02:46 GMT

Dear Becky,

You say there are many new filling materials in development that will reduce or eliminate BPA totally. Can you name one?

I am curious about the material because I have not heard of anything that does not include BPA as a component - other than mercury-silver alloys of course. Even denture plastic leaches BPA.

Thanks for your response. This is what is needed. Open and rational discussion. Darrell

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

arcanum202 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:47:23 GMT

I wonder if one day a study will show a tie to these mercury fillings and altzheimers? I had most of mine taken out. I am going to get the last few removed. I don't trust the FDA to take care of me, or do what is right any more, no more than we can trust the USDA. There is too many no bid contracts floating aroung, and too many people using money and lobbying to get more money, to care about the health of Americans and their children!

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

darrelldk — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:38:06 GMT

"I wonder if one day a study will show a tie to these mercury fillings and altzheimers?"

I wouldn't wager anything of value on it.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

Poisoned — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:06:08 GMT

After a decade of severe illness, I finally found a doctor who recognized my symptoms as those of a type 4 allergic hypersensitivity to inorganic mercury filings and had me testing using the MELISA assay, which is commercially available. More than a decade of research has proven that this inherited hypersensitivity (which is present in 10% of the population) is strongly associated with Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases:

http://www.melisa.org/articles.php

It is true that American neurologists have never heard of this, but that is probably because 95% have relied on the FDA's assurances rather than informed research concerning this topic.

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

BKnot — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:58:07 GMT

During April of 2004, my wife had 9 mercury amalgam fillings replaced with composite resin. Even though she was approximately 8 weeks pregnant at the time, her dentist insisted that the procedure posed absolutely no risk to the fetus. Our son was born in October 2004.

Four years later, we are angered and dismayed to learn that he is heathy and ahead of his peers in language, cognitive and physical skills.

Frankly, we were hoping for an easy paycheck at the expense of the dental industry, who has caused so much pain and suffering to humanity over the years. I, for one, will be happy to return to the days when we can knock each other's infected, rotting teeth out of our heads with rocks, and put these charlatans out of business once and for all.

In the interim, does anybody have a suggestion as to who I could sue in this matter? Somebody must be held responsible.

Thanks in advance.

Bob

re: Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

Dental Assistant — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:59:15 GMT

I think everyone should know that mercury can cause MS like symptoms. I have been slowly going down hill over the past 2 years, I have worked in the dental field for 17 years and both of my children have neurological disrders. My older son is autistic and my younger son has epilepsy. And now I have MS. Every woman in the office I worked showed symptoms like mine just not to th degree that I have. Amalgam fillings ar a poison!!! I fall down the stairs. I can't walk right. I can't see right. I have trouble speaking and eating. I have trouble reading and typing and I'm in pain everyday. The FDA and ADA don't want to open up a can of worms.