
According to a
statement made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the elemental mercury
contained within dental amalgam releases low levels of mercury vapor, leading
to the potential for inhalation or absorption by the lungs.1 Further,
the FDA states that exposure to high levels of mercury are associated with
adverse brain and kidney effects.1 Conversely, the FDI World Dental
Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that though rare
cases of local side effects of allergic reactions exist, no controlled studies
have demonstrated systemic adverse effects stemming from the use of amalgam
fillings in dentistry.2 In addition, these organizations have stated
that the mercury release resulting from the placement or removal of such fillings
has also been unproven in regard to causing
adverse side effects.2
There is a growing
trend leading to the idea that not only does the exposure to mercury fillings
lend itself to causing general health complaints but that the removal of
amalgam fillings may also contribute to the improvement of degenerative
disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s or
autoimmune disease. Clearly, drawing such conclusions must be based upon
credible evidence prior to the determination of validity. Both a look at the
use of amalgam fillings in relation to the onset of disease as well as the
improvement of disease following amalgam removal may shed light on the
so-claimed relationship. Therefore, with controversy rising regarding this
topic, there is reason to investigate this body of information before drawing
definitive conclusions. Looking at a couple of articles may shed further light on this issue.
A longitudinal
analysis of the connection between dental amalgam removal, urine mercury levels
and a set of 14 self-reported health symptoms was performed with 955 Canadian
participants.3 With the premise that mercury vapor poses a health
threat to those in constant contact with it, researchers studied the effects of
amalgam filling removal on health compared to lack of filling removal.3 With the use of urine analysis, researchers concluded that those who had
amalgam fillings measured double the urine mercury as those in the control
group who did not have amalgam fillings, yet according to Health Canada, the
urine mercury levels did not pose an adverse health risk.3 Results
showed that participants in the treatment group who underwent amalgam removal
experienced decreased levels of urine mercury.3 Outcomes of the
study demonstrated that removal of amalgam fillings led to a reduced likelihood
of self-reported symptoms as well as an improvement of existing symptoms when
compared to those who retained their dental fillings.3 At the
conclusion of the study, researchers deduced that amalgam fillings produced
adverse effects on health and the removal of fillings produced favorable
symptom outcomes among those tested.3 Of note, the study was funded
by Pure North S’Energy Foundation, an organization focused on helping Canadians
feel better and live longer by creating tailored programs for individuals
interested in preventing chronic disease and living healthier lives.3 Though initially sounding credible, the organization appears to focus on
questionable health practices as well as giving credence to several topics of
little significance, therefore pulling into question their bias towards the
topic of amalgam removal. Despite this fact, the information contained in the
study ought not be completely disregarded, but should encourage caution at
taking the information contained as solid proof of evidence.3 In
addition, study results were largely dependent upon self-reports which are
oftentimes inaccurate, again presenting need for caution when interpreting
results.3
A risk assessment
taking into account the literature obtained through 2005 was performed in
regard to amalgam and the warranted nature of its use.4 Authors
presented that though amalgam has been used in dentistry for 150 years, it is
to blame for a significant contribution to the human mercury load due to
continuously released mercury vapor emerging from the amalgam restorations.4 Further, authors stated the accumulation of mercury in the organs,
particularly the brain, is a result of mercury’s ability to bind to proteins in
a manner stronger than that of other heavy metals.4 In addition, mercury
has been considered as a highly toxic, non-radioactive element which points to
its potentially ill-warranted use in the human body.4Authors noted
that recent publications suggest the influence of mercury toxicity on kidney
damage, neuropsychological
impairments, induction of autoimmune diseases or sensitizations, increased
oxidative stress, autism, skin and mucosal reactions, AD, MS and nonspecific
discomfort.4 In addition, authors suggested the possible presence
of hereditary, acquired or interindividual sensitivities in regard to the
initiation of symptoms or disease.4 Though the assessment of the
available literature points to the questionable safety profile of mercury
levels in amalgam, authors of the current review appeared aware of the
necessity of obtaining solid and evidential research in regard to making
definitive claims of the healing nature of amalgam removal.4 More
specifically, authors stated, “Due to methodological deficiencies, some amalgam
studies are only partially usable in their statements. In some studies, amalgam
removal in a relevant part of the patients could permanently improve or cure
various and mostly chronic conditions. Due to the consideration of all
available data, amalgam can neither be designated a medically, occupationally,
nor ecologically safe dental filling material”.4
**A more detailed review of the literature may be obtained upon request.
References
1.
U.S.
Food and Drug Administration. About dental amalgam fillings. Available at:
https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/dentalproducts/dentalamalgam/ucm171094.htm.
Accessibility verified September 17, 2018.
2.
American
Dental Association. Statement on dental amalgam. Available at:
https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/statement-on-dental-amalgam.
Accessibility verified September 17, 2018.
3.
Melchart,
D., Vogt, S., Köhler, W., Streng, A., Weidenhammer, W., Kremers, L., et al.
Treatment of health complaints attributed to amalgam. Journal of Dental
Research. 2008; 87(4): 349–353.
4.
Mutter
J, Naumann J, Walach H, Daschner F. Amalgam risk assessment with coverage of
references up to 2005. Das Gesundheitswesen. 2005; 67(3): 204-16.
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