This week we’re celebrating Mercury-Free Dentistry Week, to acknowledge all of the amazing progress made to help get mercury out of dentistry. Unbeknownst to many, this toxic and volatile heavy metal is the main component of dental amalgam, commonly called “silver fillings.” Compelling evidence shows that dental amalgams readily release mercury in the form of vapor every time you eat, drink, brush your teeth or otherwise stimulate your teeth.
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The mercury vapors released from the amalgam in your teeth readily pass through your cell membranes, across your blood-brain barrier and into your central nervous system. Effects can be psychological, neurological and/or immunological.
Considering that there is no known safe level of exposure for mercury, ideal exposure should be zero, so any dentist insisting that mercury exposure from amalgam is "minimal" or "inconsequential" is really not acting in an ethical manner.
Alternatives to amalgam are available in any dental office, and every consumer should demand a nontoxic, nonpolluting alternative. The alternatives today are far superior technically, yet amalgam is still being used by both dentists who won’t train for 21st century dentistry, and in most government programs.
Consumers for Dental Choice, led by Charlie Brown, created an effective worldwide coalition to lead the campaign to eradicate further use of dental amalgam (50% mercury) from the Earth. The campaign’s string of successes across the globe — especially ending amalgam for children — is building unrelenting pressure on the U.S. government to act.
This week, we celebrate amazing progress around the world, and we urge you to donate and support the two keys to victory: Consumers for Dental Choice and mercury-free dentists.