Mercury has no business in the human mouth. So it has no business in dentistry, either. Still, there are dentists who persist in using this known neurotoxin to restore teeth. Still, the ADA and FDA insist against science that mercury amalgam fillings are “safe.” Still, insurance companies largely refuse to pay for biocompatible composite (white) […]
mercury
Choosing to Be Mercury-Free
Even though good, nontoxic alternatives are available, dental students are still taught that “silver” mercury amalgam fillings are the “standard of care” – just as they were back in the 1970s when Dr. Glaros first began practicing dentistry. And yes, once upon a time, he placed them, too. What’s more, he chose a high-copper amalgam […]
What Michigan v. EPA Might Mean for the Amalgam Separator Mandate
The very fact that you’re reading this blog is a good sign that you already know something about the health risks posed by mercury amalgam “silver” fillings. In that case, the headline on Dr. Mercola’s latest article on the subject was probably no surprise but just a statement of fact: There Is NO Safe Level […]
At Last! EPA Releases Its Proposed Amalgam Separator Rule
Another important step toward a mercury-free future was taken last week: The EPA formally proposed its long-awaited rule on mercury discharges from dental offices. It would require dentists “to cut their dental amalgam discharges to a level achievable through the use of the best available technology (amalgam separators); and the use of other Best Management […]
Most Americans Agree: You Shouldn’t Call Them “Silver” Fillings
Talk about a “Golden Delicious apple,” and everyone understands that the name refers to the fruit’s color, not its composition. Talk about “ruby red grapefruit,” and the situation’s the same. Talk about “silver fillings,” though, and things get a little more complicated. After all, a metal like gold or a precious stone like a ruby […]
Why a Total Ban of Mercury Amalgam Is Needed
Passage of the global mercury treaty now known as the Minamata Convention was an amazing achievement. It’s not even close to perfect, of course. Perhaps its most significant shortcoming is that it doesn’t require an actual phase-out of dental amalgam. The way it’s written, as we’ve noted before, a country doesn’t need to take any […]
Dental Mercury: Indefensible
Though more and more dentists are saying no to mercury amalgam fillings, the material still has plenty of defenders. It’s sad. And frustrating. And understandable. After all, we humans can be extraordinarily resistant to change, and going mercury-free requires a lot of it. Swapping out one material for another is just the beginning. Composite is […]
From GMOs to Mercury, Change Is Change
Like many, we were really pleased to hear the news earlier this year that General Mills was going GMO-free with Cheerios – one of its top brands. The difference-maker? Consumer pressure, especially through social media – people just like us voicing their opposition to genetically engineered food, demanding better. Of course, it’s only original Cheerios […]