DENTAL DANGER: Consumer advocacy groups are pushing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban mercury used in dental amalgam fillings. Although a ban doesn't look likely, the government may issue restrictions on amalgam fillings by next year.

A recent lawsuit forced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to warn people about the possible dangers of mercury in dental fillings for some people, especially pregnant women and young children. The FDA is also expected to release stricter guidelines next year regarding amalgam use.

FDA Changes Position on Mercury Dental Fillings

For years, the FDA said amalgam fillings were safe. However, after a recent settlement with consumer advocacy groups such as Moms Against Mercury, the FDA now recognizes mercury's possible harmful effects on the following:

• pregnant women
• nursing women
• young children
• people with compromised immune systems
• people sensitive to mercury exposure
• unborn children

The FDA posted new information on its Web site about mercury amalgam's possible risks:

• "Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses."
• "Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner." (Reuters, 6/4/08)

According to FDA spokeswoman Mary Peper Long, more than likely the FDA will not ban amalgam fillings. Instead, its new guidelines as of July 2009 may restrict the use of amalgam in some patients.

Charles Brown, a lawyer for Consumers for Dental Choice, one of the plaintiffs, said, "Gone, gone, gone are all of FDA's claims that no science exists that amalgam is unsafe." (Reuters, 6/4/08)

Worries over Mercury Dental Fillings

Groups such as Moms Against Mercury and Consumers for Dental Choice say mercury fillings may trigger health problems, including...

• Alzheimer's disease
• brain damage
• irritability (erethism)
• kidney damage
• migraines
• multiple sclerosis

The Environmental Protection Agency lists mercury as a neurotoxin. It can interfere with brain development and cognitive and motor skills.

The American Dental Association (ADA) considers amalgam safe, as does the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

More Mercury Research Needed, FDA Says

The FDA started reviewing the use of mercury fillings in 2002. In 2006, a panel of independent advisers reviewed 34 studies and found no evidence that fillings cause problems in patients.

They did say, however, that the risks can't be quantified until they see short-term exposure studies in specific groups of patients.

Copyright © 2009 Informify

Question for Readers:

Would you pay more for the less effective alternatives to amalgam to avoid exposure to mercury?