Understand the symptoms of mercury toxicity
These days, much can be read and discussed about the safety of amalgam fillings. These fillings, which are silver in appearance, were the go-to solution for dentists for many decades. Amalgam is composed of a mixture of elements. It can contain up to 50 percent mercury. Because mercury emits vapors when warmed, patients with amalgam fillings are exposed to the mercury when they perform everyday tasks such as brushing, chewing, or grinding the teeth.
As a holistic dental office, we believe in the studies that prove that mercury is a neurotoxin, capable of exposing patients to dangerous vapors. We do not use amalgam fillings or any dental materials that contain mercury and are experienced in the safe removal of these fillings. The EPA requires that removed mercury fillings be disposed of as hazardous waste that is not safe for the environment. If it is not safe for the environment, it’s not safe to be used in dental solutions.
How mercury exposure occurs
When the amalgam filling in the mouth emits mercury vapors, they are absorbed by the mouth and can travel to other parts of the body. The mercury will then continue to accumulate in the cells and can take many years to diminish.
The symptoms of mercury toxicity
The problem with mercury exposure is that the symptoms are often similar to that of other medical conditions. In fact, many dentists are the first to identify the connection between health problems and mercury toxicity.
One example is the way mercury can affect the nervous system. Patients may experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, chronic fatigue, etc. These symptoms can be caused by many different problems, so it’s easy to see how the potential of mercury toxicity can be overlooked.
Other symptoms of mercury toxicity can include nerve damage, tremors, chronic headaches, and gastrointestinal problems such as colitis, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If you would like to avoid the potential for mercury toxicity, it’s important to find a holistic provider who uses only safe, biocompatible materials. For more information on the benefits of mercury-safe dentistry, please feel free to contact our staff today.
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