Are Dental Fillings With Mercury Dangerous?

Dr. Andrew Weil weighs in

November 3, 2011


Amalgams release tiny amounts of mercury vapor when they are placed in or removed from teeth, as well as when a person chews, according to the FDA. Some consumer groups claim this vapor could trigger a number of health problems, including Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and other chronic illnesses, particularly in children. 


A few years ago, the FDA settled a lawsuit with these groups by agreeing to warn the public about the potential health risks of mercury dental fillings—though it cited only a "theoretical concern," as opposed to clinical evidence of actual harm to the general population. Two 5- to 7-year studies of about 500 children each who had the amalgam fillings found no significant changes in attention span, memory, IQ, and kidney function. 

If you have amalgam fillings, the FDA doesn't recommend you have them removed. But if they break down or require replacing, I'd request nonmercury material, such as resin composite (colored to match your natural tooth) or gold. 
