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Dental Amalgam:
Myths vs. Facts
CHICAGO, July
2002 -- The following
information from the American Dental
Association corrects much of the
misinformation about silver-colored fillings
known as amalgam.
Myth:
Dental amalgam causes numerous health
problems.
Fact:
Not true. You should feel very
secure that the many organizations responsible
for protecting the public's health have said
time and time again that amalgam fillings are
safe. Those organizations include the World
Health Organization, United States Public
Health Service, the National Institutes of
Health and the Food and Drug Administration.
Myth:
There are better materials for
treating cavities, but the ADA continues to
promote use of dental amalgam because it
receives money from amalgam manufacturers
through its Seal of Acceptance program.
Fact:
Be assured that the ADA does not profit from
amalgam, nor does it promote the material. The
cost of maintaining the ADA Seal program is
financed primarily through ADA member dentist
dues.
What the ADA
does promote is having patients make informed
decisions about their dental care in
consultation with their dentist. The choice of
a particular filling material is determined in
partnership by the dentist and patient, and
based upon a variety of considerations,
including size and location of the cavity,
patient history, cosmetic concerns and cost.
Myth:
The ADA justifies amalgam use by saying the
filling has been around for 150 years.
Fact: When
making treatment recommendations, dentists
rely on the best-available science and their
own clinical experience. Because amalgam has
been around so long, the dental profession and
scientific community have learned a great deal
about its durability, reliability and safety.
Just like aspirin, amalgam has withstood the
test of time and is still a valued option for
patients.
Myth:
Removal of amalgam cures some
diseases.
Fact:
It is unconscionable to lead people to believe
that their serious illnesses may improve by
undergoing unnecessary dental treatment. In
fact, leading medical experts and health
organizations have negated such statements and
conclusions. For example:
"There is no
scientific evidence to connect the development
of MS or other neurological diseases with
dental fillings containing mercury." (National
Multiple Sclerosis Society)
" According
to the best available scientific evidence
there is no relationship between silver dental
fillings and Alzheimer's." (Alzheimer's
Association)
" There is no
scientific evidence of any measurable clinical
toxic effects [of dental amalgam]." (American
Academy of Pediatrics)
Myth:
Dental amalgam fillings release mercury vapors
that are harmful to the body.
Fact:
Minute amounts of mercury vapor (between 1-3
micrograms* per day) may be released from
amalgam under the pressure of chewing or
grinding, but there is no scientific evidence
that such low-level exposure is harmful. In
fact, dental materials experts say one would
have to have almost 500 amalgam fillings to
even see the subtlest symptoms in the most
sensitive person.
* 1 microgram
is equal to 35.2 billionths of an ounce.
Myth:
Dentists cannot tell their patients that
amalgam contains mercury.
Fact:
Actually, the ADA encourages dentists to
discuss the full range of filling options with
their patients so together they can decide
what is the most appropriate treatment.
Key resources
for oral health care information and
additional information about amalgam:
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