Facing the Facts: Mercury Fillings Are Dangerous

You may or may not know, but our practice believes in dentistry that reveals the facts upfront. This is why we always inform our patients of the potential dangers of mercury in the mouth. Mercury is contained in amalgam fillings that many patients are currently sporting most likely due because they were not properly informed of beforehand. They were probably notified that amalgam fillings (also called silver fillings) were the cheapest option, triggering a purchase. We don’t offer these types of dental fillings to our patients, but we do remove amalgam fillings. Here’s why.

Amalgam Fillings Pose Dangers

For starters, amalgam fillings are typically made up of around 50% mercury. This is a considerable amount.

The harm comes from the fact that mercury vapors are being released at a very slow, but constant rate inside of your mouth. Mercury vapor is what patients should be aware of. All the way back in 1991, the World Health Organization released a statement which said that any level of mercury vapor is considered harmful. There is no safe level of mercury vapor.

Mercury Vapor…  So What?

Our body can absorb vapors. When the mercury vapors are released, our lungs subsequently inhale them. Our nose also inhales a small portion of the mercury vapors. Over time, these vapors begin to take a toll on our body in a number of different ways. The list is too long to post here, but a brief summary of the harm can be found from various sources.

Scientifically Proven Facts

Stay Educated

Some may claim we’re using “scare tactics” to get our point across, but as a holistic dentist in Newbury Park, it is my duty to inform patients that mercury is indeed dangerous. It’s not something made up, but rather is a topic that has been extensively studied on – with peer reviewed scientific facts that all point to the same conclusion: mercury is dangerous.

The FDA may tell you otherwise, stating that mercury vapor levels are too low to be considered dangerous – ignorant of the facts that have been found both domestically and abroad.

Educate Yourself. Stay Informed. Be Smart.

FDA's Position on Amalgam

Dr. Oz Chimes In

Diving Into A Holistic Lifestyle Built Around Good Nutrition and Healthy Living

A healthy, holistic lifestyle is often sought by many but hardly achieved. At Centers for Healing, it’s our devout mission to help you achieve your best physical, dental, and emotional health, which is why we feel it’s our duty to provide you with a few quick tips on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

First off, let’s clarify exactly what “healthy” truly is. If you bring out a dictionary and search for the word “healthy” you will come up with a standard definition that resembles something along the lines of “in good health” or “not diseased”. I don’t believe I’m diseased so therefore I’m “healthy”?

The World Health Organization wanted to curb the confusion by offering its own definition of the word “healthy”. They came up with: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Achieving Good Health

Eating Your Fruits & Vegetables

There’s a reason mama always told you to eat your fruits and vegetables: because they’re good for you! It’s more than just about fruits and vegetables… it’s about eating foods that are not processed with added salt, carbohydrates, and fat. Look for grains, vegetables, fruits, and foods that are unprocessed and unrefined, also known as “whole foods”. They may be more expensive, but consider it an investment towards GOOD HEALTH.

Avoiding Harmful Substances

This includes minimizing exposure to known harmful substances such as nicotine, alcohol, a host of many food and drink additives (i.e. sodium nitrates, BPA, food coloring), and of course amalgam fillings that contain mercury.

Exercise

Let’s be honest, most of us hate being reminded to exercise but this wouldn’t be a legitimate article on a healthy lifestyle if it didn’t include exercise or physical activity somewhere. Physical activity is a fact of any health lifestyle. We encourage exercising with friends as this always makes the activity a lot more bearable and may even be something to look forward to.

Mental Well-Being

A healthy mental well-being is important for achieving a healthy lifestyle. Your mental well-being is closely related to how happy you are and how much sleep you are receiving each night. Relax, take time off for yourself, have fun with your friends, family, or partner. The small things really do matter, as well as consistently receiving at least 6 and a half hours of sleep each night (try aiming for 7-8 hours).

Follow our holistic dentist's advice on how to live healthier and happier and you'll begin feeling much better about yourself, we promise!