It happens. No matter how hard we try to keep the sticky sugary stuff out of their mouths or how many times a day we remind them to brush and floss, sooner or later, our kids will probably end up with a cavity or two. And even though baby boomers like me can proudly (or not so) boast a smile full of mercury amalgam (silver) fillings, modern-day moms, children of the "information age," are neuro-toxin-savvy, and this lucky generation of baby bears has options when it comes to how they want to fill the holes in their enamel.
Pros and Cons of Silver (Mercury)
If you're debating the pros and cons of mercury-amalgam (silver) fillings versus porcelain enamel or gold for your child, here are a few things you may want to consider:
- The FDA considers amalgam fillings safe for people over the age of six years old.
- Silver fillings are generally stronger than porcelain fillings.
- Amalgam fillings have been in use for nearly 200 years and are made up of elemental mercury (50%), tin (13%), copper (2%) and trace amounts of zinc.
- The use of mercury in fillings has been a controversial topic since the American Society of Dental Surgeons banned its members from using it in 1840, and the Society of Dentist of the City and State of New York suspended eleven of its members for malpractice after they admitted to using it on their dental patients.
- Unlike mercury found in fish, mercury in fillings is not absorbed through the digestive tract. It's vapors are inhaled. Though dentists used to believe the mercury vapors were only dangerous during the filling process, it is now understood that the vapors may be released at varying levels throughout the life of the filling.
- Removing a mercury filling is not recommended unless it has been compromised because the toxic vapors are strongest during the implantation and removal process.
- Dentists generally prefer amalgam fillings because they are easier to work with, more flexible, less expensive and more durable than the gold or porcelain alternatives.
- Dental personel are required to wear protective gloves when handling mercury, and they must use a special type of trash bag when disposing of it. The EPA is concerned that the mercury could end up leaching into the ground and water supply.
- Some countries, including Canada, France, Germany and Sweden, have taken measures to limit the use of mercury fillings in patients.
- The American Dental Association disagrees with many doctors, researchers and environmentalists worldwide and maintains that mercury amalgam fillings are safe.
California dentist and author of the children's book, Sam and the Sugar Bug, Humairah Shah, believes in the relative safety of amalgam fillings and prefers them over porcelain and gold due to a number of reasons, most notably the ease with which they can be inserted and their relative durability.
However, she admits that non-amalgam fillings may have their advantageous, as well, pointing out that porcelain fillings are more ascetically pleasing than mercury-based, silver ones, and less of the tooth needs to be excavated when prepping it for porcelain--a mixture of glass or quartz crystal in a resin media.
She writes, in her WordPress blog, "Dental amalgam is the most widely used restorative material; however, there are concerns about mercury present in it. There are concerns about how much mercury is released once the filling is completed. Research has shown that the amount of mercury released is very low. The major U.S. and international scientific health bodies, including WHO and FDA, are satisfied that amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material. Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mercury or other metals in amalgam, though it is very rare. They should inform the dentist and not get amalgam fillings."
Of course, the best option is not having to choose at all. Keep your child cavity-free if you can by reminding them to brush at least twice a day and preferably after every meal. Show them how to properly floss between their teeth, and cut back on the sugary sodas and snacks they consume. If they do end up requiring a filling or two, speak to your pediatrician or dentist about the best type of filling for your child.
RESOURCES
MSNBC: FDA Issues Warning on Mercury Fillings
FDA on Mercury Amalgam Fillings
NIH (National Institutes of Health) findings on the use of mercury amalgam fillings in children
Jerry Simon, DDS Dental Fillings with Mercury...Are they Good for your Family?
