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Amalgam

Amalgam literally means mixed with mercury, and in the dental sense that is true.  Powdered metals and metal compounds consisting of silver, copper, tin and zinc are mixed with about an equal weight of liquid mercury.

  Health Dental Risk - Amalgam Replacement - Disclaimer  See also: Amalgam Detoxification program

Symptoms and signals of amalgam poisoning :

gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances, concentration problems, memory disturbances, lack of initiative, restlessness, numbness of arms and legs , bleeding gums, burning tongue, metallic taste, leg pain , arm pain, ( thanks to thallium polluted amalgam filings), headaches , low immunity, Alzheimer's Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and many other correlated symptoms. Nobody really knows how big is list of these symptoms.

Before you go to dentist to replace your amalgam, read this:

Amalgam Replacement Protocol

Cancer cause : Polluted teeth - teeth that are causing cancer?


Support groups:

Dental health Forums:


 

Does dental metal cause cancer? Heart attack?
Hodkin's disease?

If you have some of these symptoms, consider visiting a good dentist and changing your amalgam filings into metal free plastic (composite) filings.

Dentist must follow:  Amalgam Replacement Protocol  !!!

Not everyone experiences acute toxicity effects from the mercury in amalgam fillings. But everyone does have mercury build up in their bodies from implantation of such fillings. The large increase in mercury exposure from the newer non-gamma-2 mercury fillings means that only time will tell how much damage has been caused by daily exposure to mercury to such fillings.

What is AMALGAM ?

Amalgam is the generic term applied to a variety of very similar products used in dentistry to fill teeth.  Amalgam is also known as the "silver filling" (due to its shiny appearance), or the silver-mercury filling. Amalgam literally means mixed with mercury, and in the dental sense that is true.  Powdered metals and metal compounds consisting of silver, copper, tin and zinc are mixed with about an equal weight of liquid mercury.  Three different types of chemical reactions take place within this mixture,  and the resultant amalgam will set at room temperature, and, most importantly, within a few minutes.

Amalgam has been used as a filling material for 160 years and has enjoyed the reputation of being an inexpensive, long lasting filling. The materials alone only cost about one dollar.

Amalgam/symptom link found

The results from the second part of the Tübingen research shows that people with high saliva mercury levels have more health problems, particularly in the mouth, central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Overview and critical discussion

Press release from the environmental organization BUND

“Anti- amalgam” epidemiological evidence

Studies that have found a statistical association between amalgam/mercury exposure and various health problems.

“Anti-amalgam” epidemiological evidence

 

Dental Care & Amalgam
Recommended Books

Tooth Truth
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ISBN: 1890035130
Price: US$ 17.47 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
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Tooth Truth

Uninformed Consent : The Hidden Dangers in Dental Care
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ISBN: 1571741178
Price: US$ 10.47 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
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Uninformed Consent : The Hidden Dangers in Dental Care

It's All in Your Head: The Link Between Mercury Amalgams and Illness
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It's All in Your Head: The Link Between Mercury Amalgams and Illness

The Cure for All Diseases [LARGE PRINT]
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The Cure for All Diseases [LARGE PRINT]

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ISBN: 1561704601
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Beating Alzheimer's: A Step Towards Unlocking the Mysteries of Brain Diseases
by Tom Warren
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ISBN: 0895294885
Price: US$ 11.16 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
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Previous German research on amalgam, mercury exposure and fertility

Results from two of research groups in Germany show high levels of ingested mercury from amalgam, and links between mercury, hormonal disturbances and other health problems. The results were presented at a press conference on May 15, 1996. These documents are based on the press conference materials.

WHO mercury limit exceeded
Critical discussion
German scientists say amalgam reduces fertility
Critical discussion
Read also:  150 years of Russian roulette  http://home.online.no/reiersol/amalgam.htm

AMALGAM FACTS

Causes Damage to Brain in Children
In February, 1998, a group of the world's top mercury researchers announced that mercury from amalgam fillings can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and immune system of children.

Amalgam Fillings Linked to Neurological Problems, Gastrointestinal Problems
The first large-scale epidemiological study of mercury and adverse reactions was recently completed and showed that of the symptoms looked at, there was a link seen to gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances, concentration problems, memory disturbances, lack of initiative, restlessness, bleeding gums and other mouth disorders.

Mercury / Alzheimer's Disease Connection Found
A study related to mercury and Alzheimer's Disease was recently completed by a team of scientists led by well-respected researcher Dr. Boyd Haley. They exposed rats to levels of mercury vapor diluted to account for size differences between humans and rats. The rats developed tissue damage "indistinguishable" from that of Alzheimer's Disease. Repeating the experiment showed the same results. Dr. Haley is quoted as saying "I'm getting the rest of my fillings taken out right now, and I've asked my wife to have hers replaced too."

Amalgam Fillings Since 1970s Unstable
The type of mercury fillings that began to be used during the last couple of decades, non-gamma-2 (high copper), releases many times more mercury than the older style of amalgam fillings.

Amalgam Fillings Release Highly Toxic Elemental Mercury
Mercury is one of the most toxic substances known. The mercury release from fillings is absorbed primarily as highly toxic elemental mercury vapor.

Amalgam Fillings Largest Source of Mercury By Far
Based on a number of studies in Sweden, the World Health Organization review of inorganic mercury in 1991 determined that mercury absorption is estimated to be approximately four times higher from amalgam fillings than from fish consumption. Recent studies have confirmed this estimate. The amount absorbed can vary considerably from person to person.

Gold Crowns, Gum, Bruxism, Computer Monitors Increase Release of Mercury Significantly
Gum chewing, grinding of teeth/bruxism, computer terminal exposure, presence of gold fillings or gold crowns (even if covering mercury fillings), teeth brushing, braces, and chewing cause the release of significantly increased amounts of mercury from the fillings.

Cumulative Poison and Builds Up in Organs
Mercury released from fillings builds up in the brain, kidneys, liver, pituitary, adrenals, and other parts of the body.

Mercury Amalgam Fillings Effect Porphyrins
Preliminary results from the first detailed biochemical analysis of patients who removed mercury amalgam fillings showed a significant drop in the excretion of porphyrins (important to heme synthesis -- heme carries oxygen to red blood cells), as well as a number of other key biochemical changes.

Potential Contribuatory Factor in Other Diseases
Mercury from amalgam fillings has been implicated as a possible contributory factor in some cases of Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, IBS, reproductive disorders, allergies, and a variety of other illnesses.

Mercury Build Up in Brain, Organs and Breast Milk of Fetuses of Mothers With Amalgam Fillings
Mercury from fillings in pregnant women has been shown to cause mercury accumulation in brain, kidneys and liver of human fetuses (all of the areas tested). Studies have shown that mercury can be passed to infants from breast milk.

Proper Removal of Fillings Produces Eventual Health Improvement
A recent survey in Sweden showed that of 268 patients who removed amalgam fillings, 80% showed permanent health improvement. Three-fourths of those that improved did so within 6 months while one-fourth of those who improved did not show improvement until after 6 months. There were no signs of the positive effects disappearing as might be expected with a placebo effect.

World-renowned Experts Agree About Potential Danger
In contrast to statements from dental trade organizations, toxicologists and medical researchers are often quite concerned about the use of mercury. Lars Friberg, the lead toxicologist on the World Health Organization team looking at inorganic mercury and health effects recently stated that he believes that mercury is unsuitable for dental materials because of safety concerns.

Canadian Class Action Lawsuit Begins
Canadians For Mercury Relief has now started a class action lawsuit based on the fact that the government knew of but did not warn the public about mercury dangers from amalgam fillings. If you are Canadian, please read the press release to find out how to register to be part of the class action suit as so many Canadians are doing.


Obviously, not everyone experiences acute toxicity effects from the mercury in amalgam fillings. However, virtually everyone does have mercury build up in their bodies from implantation of such fillings. The large increase in mercury exposure from the newer non-gamma-2 mercury fillings means that only time will tell how much damage has been caused by daily exposure to mercury to such fillings.

I do not recommend that people assume automatically that they will be healed by the removal of amalgam fillings. Many people are helped tremendously and some are healed. The 80% figure for people showing improvement within a year likely refers to people who had good reason to suspect that they were being significantly effected by the fillings. The percentage of people in the general population who might experience health improvement within one year after removal is probably much lower than 80%. I recommend going into the mercury amalgam removal procedure knowing that, at the very least, you will have removed yourself from a regular exposure to an extremely toxic material such that it will not build up in your organs and possibly cause significant health problems at a later date.

Mercury amalgam fillings should be removed only by dentists with experience using the IOAMT mercury amalgam removal protocol (presented with the permission of the excellent . Preventive Dental Association web page). Such dentists are often experienced with proper evaluation and placement of composite fillings, both of which can be crucial for the success of the treatment. Biocompatability tests are often important in determining which composite materials can be safely used. I believe that composite (plastic) fillings are a better replacement than metal (e.g., gold) fillings even in chemically-sensitive individuals. They are, however, not without safety questions, but are still likely to be much less toxic than mercury amalgam fillings. Proper placement of composites should be left to experienced amalgam removal dentists as the average well-meaning dentist may not be aware of the newer placement techniques.

 

Amalgam Can Cause Brain Damage in Children


Courtesy of Monica Kaupi "Heavy Metal Bulletin"

From the Press conference of the Swedish Council for Planning and Coordinating Research. Stockholm, 19 February 1998 "Amalgam can cause brain damage in children." -Move over amalgam - at last!

Mercury from amalgam may damage the brain, kidneys and the immune system of a great number of people. The effects in fetus and children are of most concern. Those are the conclusions of a report soon to handed to the Government. "There is no conflict any more," says Gunnar Goude from the board of the Swedish Council for Planning and Coordinating Research (FRN), after reviewing the comprehensive documentation from the four seminars. "There is total agreement among the Board members that it is time to move forward and leave amalgam behind." The Board will, in their coming report to the Government, recommend discontinuing the use of amalgam as a dental material.

The reason why the first report, prepared by Prof. Jerelov, was not presented at the press conference as planned was that it was unanimously rejected by the Board (18 members). Its message - that old conflicts have now been settled - was not clear enough.

At the press conference, the printed documentation from the seminars was presented. Prof. Jernelov held a speech, telling that there is hope for an end of the conflict. He also presented a few examples from the documentation. Genetic difference in individual sensitivity and varying absorption were emphasized in the report.

Commissioned by the Council to make an additional literature search of all studies on amalgam published after 1993, Prof. em. Maths Berlin reported that Hg vapor (the form of mercury emitted from amalgam) affects the CNS and the kidneys (which may lead to the need for dialysis). His major concern is, however, that Hg may affect the development of the brain of the fetus. The exposure in some individuals is as high as that in industrial workers, levels which cause CNS effects. Since the symptoms are similar to those of many other disorders, there may be many patients who do not know that they are affected by amalgam. "If you remove amalgam from an adult, he/she will get healthy, provided the cause was mercury, but the effects in a fetus are irreversible...the risk is serious enough to be unacceptable. Therefore exposure to amalgam should be avoided in children and women in fertile age."

In his opinion it is unlikely that all people who claim to be ill from amalgam are right about the cause of their problems (some may be victims of suggestion). About 1 % of the population may be affected. His estimate was contradicted by other participants who claimed that from 5,000 to 5000,000 Swedes could be affected.

In the debate that followed, he also said that previously doctors and dentists tried to protect patients from unnecessary worries by not always tell what they knew or suspected, but "nowadays we tell the truth." He also said that pregnant women should be examined for the presence of mercury and that special clinics should be established to help patients.

According to Dr. Magnus Nylander, Hg exposure from amalgam fillings could be as high as 100 mc/day. brain autopsies support these figures. Prof. em. Lars Friberg, expressed his satisfaction with the investigation and a hope that in the future research funds will be granted by committees with medical competence and not mainly by odontologists.

Prof. Ingvar Skare said that it is surprising how amalgam, of all mercury applications, has been gave this particularly heavy burden of proof. Prof. Richardson's re-evaluation of his own method which was made at the request of FRN, was published in the book. Some of the conclusions are:

  • Exposures and reference doses for Hg vapor may be more suitably standardized on the basis of body surface area than on body weight.

  • Average Hg exposures from amalgam exceeded the proposed reference dose in all age groups as follows: toddlers by 1.4 times, children by 2.09 times, teens by 3.3 times, adults by 5.0 times, seniors by 3.6 times.
  • Data suggest that approximately 19 to 20% of the general population may experience sub-clinical CNS and/or kidney function impairment as a result of the presence of amalgam fillings.
  • It is impossible to determine from presently available data and information, what if any threshold might exist for sub-clinical impacts of Hg vapor exposure on CNS and/or kidney function.
  • Significant data gaps exist in the published literature which should be addressed to resolve a potential link between amalgam use and subclinical CNS and/or kidney function impairment.

 

Dental Amalgam: Is It Safe?

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Den/2046/amalg.htm

 

The World Health Organizationthe (WHO) figures

 

There are both individual, group and national differences in the number of amalgam fillings people have. There is also variation in how much mercury people get from diet. Therefore, the question “what is the largest source of mercury exposure, diet or amalgam?” does not have one single answer that applies to all individuals and populations. However, it seems clear that in industrialized countries, amalgam is usually the largest source.

 

Estimated average daily intake and retention (mg/day) of total mercury and mercury compounds in the general population not occupationally exposed to mercurya

Exposure Elemental mercury vapour Inorganic mercury compounds Methylmercury
Air 0.030 (0.024) 0.002 (0.001) 0.008 (0.0064)
Food: fish 0 0.600 (0.042) 2.4 (2.3)
Food: non-fish 0 3.6 (0.25) 0
Drinking-water 0 0.050 (0.0035) 0
Dental amalgams 3.8-21 (3- 17) 0 0
Total 3.9-21 (3.1-17) 4.3 (0.3) 2.41 (2.31)
 

a From: Environmental Health Criteria 101: Methylmercury (WHO, 1990).

Values given are the estimated average daily intake; the figures in parentheses represent the estimated amount retained in the body of an adult.

Values are quoted to 2 significant figures.

Other research that supports the WHO figures

The table shows a number of estimates of total mercury exposure from diet. Most of the estimates lie in the 1.5-4 microgram range. There are two notable exceptions, both of which are fish-eating indigenous peoples.

Source Year Population Exposure
Tsuda et al. 1995 Japan Four estimates: 3.5, 4.3, 4.3, 9.9
Cuadrado et al. 1995 Spain 4- 7
Richardson 1995 Canada 3.93
Chan et al. 1995 Canada (Inuit) 65, 97
Abe et al. 1995 Papua New Guinea 73
Cuadrado et al. 1992 Spain 4
Becker & Kumplainen. 1991 Sweden 1.8
Ellen et al. 1990 Netherlands 2

References:

IPCS, Environmental health criteria 118. Inorganic mercury. Geneve: World Health Organization, 1992: 112.

Abe T, Ohtsuka R, Hongo T, Suzuki T, Tohyama C, Nakano A, Akagi H, Akimichi T: High hair and urinary mercury levels of fish eaters in the nonpolluted environment of Papua New Guinea. Archives of Environmental Health 1995; 50 (5): 367-73.

Becker W, Kumpulainen J: Contents of essential and toxic mineral elements in Swedish market-basket diets in 1987. British Journal of Nutrition 1991; 66 (2): 151-60.

Chan HM, Kim C, Khoday K, Receveur O, Kuhnlein HV: Assessment of dietary exposure to trace metals in Baffin Inuit food. Environmental Health Perspectives 1995; 103 (7-8): 740-6.

Cuadrado C, Kumpulainen J, Moreiras O. Lead, cadmium and mercury contents in average Spanish market basket diets from Galicia, Valencia, Andalucia and Madrid. Food Additives & Contaminants 1995;12: 107-18.

Richardson GM, Mitchell M, Coad S et al: Exposure to mercury in Canada: a multimedia analysis. Water, Air and Soil Pollution Journal 1995; 80: 21-30.

 

Further scientific information can be found at Dr. Murray Vimy's Web Page, 150 Year's of Russian Roulette Web Page, and Bosse's Mercury Page. More information about removal, detoxification, and placement of composite fillings can be found at Bioprobe, Inc. and at the Preventive Dental Association. Information about finding a dentist practicing non-toxic dentistry can be found on the Resources For Related to Non-Toxic Dentistry web page. Also, the AMALGAM mailing list can be a good source of accurate, up-to-date information.

Important Links

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"Mercury from Amalgam fillings contributes 3 to 4 times more mercury to our bodies than all the environmental sources combined."


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Dental Care & Amalgam
Recommended Books

Tooth Truth
by Frank J. Jerome
********** 10 Stars!
More about this book / Author

ISBN: 1890035130
Price: US$ 17.47 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
Check Availability from Barnes & Noble
Check Availability from: Canada ... United Kingdom ... Deutchland ... France ... Japan

Tooth Truth

Uninformed Consent : The Hidden Dangers in Dental Care
by Hal A., Dr. Huggins
********* 9 Stars!
More about this book / Author

ISBN: 1571741178
Price: US$ 10.47 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
Check Availability from Barnes & Noble
Check Availability from: Canada ... United Kingdom ... Deutchland ... France ... Japan

Uninformed Consent : The Hidden Dangers in Dental Care

It's All in Your Head: The Link Between Mercury Amalgams and Illness
by Hal A., Dr. Huggins
********* 9 Stars!
More about this book / Author

ISBN: 0895295504
Price: US$ 10.36 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
Check Availability from Barnes & Noble
Check Availability from: Canada ... United Kingdom ... Deutchland ... France ... Japan

It's All in Your Head: The Link Between Mercury Amalgams and Illness

The Cure for All Diseases [LARGE PRINT]
by Hulda Regehr Clark
********** 10 Stars!
More about this book / Author

ISBN: 1890035017
Price: US$ 16.44 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
Check Availability from Barnes & Noble
Check Availability from: Canada ... United Kingdom ... Deutchland ... France ... Japan

The Cure for All Diseases [LARGE PRINT]

Prostate Health in 90 Days
by Larry Clapp
********* 9 Stars!
More about this book / Author

ISBN: 1561704601
Price: US$ 10.47 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
Check Availability from Barnes & Noble
Check Availability from: Canada ... United Kingdom ... Deutchland ... France ... Japan

Prostate Health in 90 Days

Beating Alzheimer's: A Step Towards Unlocking the Mysteries of Brain Diseases
by Tom Warren
********** 10 Stars!
More about this book / Author

ISBN: 0895294885
Price: US$ 11.16 ... Check Availability from Amazon.com
Check Availability from Barnes & Noble
Check Availability from: Canada ... United Kingdom ... Deutchland ... France ... Japan

Beating Alzheimer's: A Step Towards Unlocking the Mysteries of Brain Diseases

Other Recommended books:

  • The Mercury In Your Mouth---Quicksilver Associates, 10 East 87 Street, New York, NY 10128. Tel: 212 423 3074 Fax - 289 3046
  • The End of Cancer by Charlotte Dubois & John Lubecki, D.C.
  • Root Canal Cover Up by George Meinig
  • Toxic Metal Syndrome by Casdorph & Walker
  • Dental Mercury Detox by Ziff

Dentists have the highest suicide and divorce rates among professional. Female dental personnel have a higher spontaneous abortion rate, a raised incidence of premature labour, and an elevated perinatal mortality.

Research has demonstrated that 100% of all root canals result in residual infection due to the imperfect seal that allows bacteria to penetrate. The toxins given off by these bacteria are more toxic than mercury. These toxins can cause systemic diseases of the heart, kidney, uterus, and nervous and endocrine systems.

"Electrogalvanism is frequently the cause of lack of concentration and memory, insomnia, psychological problems, tinnitus, vertigo, epilepsy. To name a few."---Edward Arana, D.D.S.


 

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