Many dentists have stopped using metal dental fillings containing mercury. These fillings are known as amalgams, but generally contain 50% or more of mercury, a deadly poison.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

In 1997, researchers produced evidence that inhaling mercury vapors caused destruction of proteins that are the building blocks of nerve fibers. This is a situation seen in 80% of Alzheimer-diseased brains.

Various interest groups, including the American Dental Association, have dismissed this research, saying there is no proof of any relationship between mercury in dental fillings and Alzheimer's Disease. Later in this article, I will give references to related research, but for now, I want to stick with this central idea relating mercury to destruction of brain tissue.

INDEPENDENT FILM GIVES PROOF

The University of Calgary (Canada) Faculty of Medicine have produced a video showing how mercury can actually alter the structure of developing neurons in the brain. You can watch this fascinating process by going to
UCalgary.ca/mercury/ and clicking on the icon. You will need to have Quicktime 4.1 or higher on your computer. If you don't already have it, there is a download link at the site. It is well worth the effort.

The narration can be a bit too scientific at times, but you don't need to worry about what is being said- just watch what is happening to a poor little nerve fiber trying to grow, but being destroyed in the process by mercury.

The video lasts only a couple of minutes, but that will be more than enough to get the message across: Mercury in your body is not something you particularly want.

Readers of this column know I have been against using mercury fillings long before the University of Calgary research was published. And even though numerous large health organizations have come out against the notion that mercury fillings cause any harm, it is difficult to not believe what your eyes are seeing in this video.

WANT MORE PROOF?

Because of liability issues, there is a lot of conflicting information "out there", and it is hard for anyone to determine what is the "true" truth. The University of Calgary has put up an extensive list of research and resources for anyone who wants to delve deeper into this important issue. Go to Whale.to/d/biblio.html to see this impressive review of research going back more than twenty years.

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS

Don't panic if you have mercury containing fillings, but at a minimum, do not have any more metal fillings put into your mouth.

If you agree that having these are harmful, I recommend you speak with your dentist and explore having them removed and replaced with non-metallic fillings. People who tell you that non-metal fillings are not strong enough or do not hold up are wrong. I have placed non-metal fillings for many of my patients more than 20 years ago, and these are still doing a great job.

Besides, such concerns miss the point. Is it a great selling item that poisonous mercury fillings are nearly indestructible and last forever?

Finally, after you have had the mercury fillings replaced, be sure your dentist helps to rid your body of whatever mercury may have leaked out by placing you on some sort of a detoxification program. While the ADA, FDA and other alphabet organizations tell you there is no proof mercury leaks out from the fillings into the organs and tissues of your body, dentists like me think otherwise. On the possibility we are right and they are wrong, do a detox program just in case.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW?

We can take care of your dental needs. We look for causes- and never just treat symptoms. We always try to find the simplest solution. If using natural therapy, relying more on plants, herbs and homeopathy than drugs and surgery appeals to you, you've found a home! No need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. We won't scold- just help. And "if it ain't broke, I won't fix it".

Please call our office for an appointment, consultation, or a second opinion now. I'd love to be your dentist!