You have heard the stories. Mercury. Toxic. Should be removed.
There is a lot of misinformation online. Here is what the science actually says.
What dental amalgam actually is
Silver fillings are called dental amalgam. They are made from a mix of metals. About half is mercury. The rest is silver, tin, copper, and trace amounts of other metals.
The mercury is bound tightly to the other metals. It is not floating free. It does not leak under normal conditions.
What major health bodies say
The FDA, WHO, and NHS all state that dental amalgam is safe for most adults. It has been used for over 150 years. Hundreds of millions of people have them.
The NHS specifically says: "Amalgam fillings are safe for most adults and children."
The concern about mercury is understandable. But the form used in fillings is different from elemental mercury. Your body absorbs far less than you would from food or the environment.
When removal makes sense
Removing a sound filling is not recommended. The removal process can expose you to more mercury than leaving it alone.
But there are valid reasons to replace them. Wear and tear over decades. New decay underneath. Cracks in the filling. All good reasons.
Some people also have genuine mercury allergies. That is rare. Your dentist can test for it.
What to do if you are worried
Talk to your dentist. Ask about composite (white) fillings instead. They are mercury-free and look more natural.
Do not fall for viral videos claiming you are being poisoned. The science does not support it.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice