The Dangers Of Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam Fillings: What You Need to Know

When you visit the dentist, you might have encountered "silver" fillings, also known as Amalgam. These fillings have been around since the early 19th century and are made up of 50% silver alloy and 50% liquid mercury. Mercury is infamous for its toxic properties, and Amalgam fillings are no exception.

Here's what you should know:

The Toxic Side of Mercury

Mercury is one of the most toxic substances we know. It can damage nerve cells, harm kidney tissue, and interfere with important biochemical processes in the body. In Amalgam fillings, mercury constantly releases tiny amounts of vapor. Activities like chewing, drinking hot liquids, or eating acidic foods can increase this release even further.

How Mercury Vapour Affects You

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Amalgam fillings as a major source of mercury exposure for many people. Mercury vapor can enter your body through the lining of your cheeks, your lungs, and even through your nose, reaching your brain. Once inside, mercury is transformed into a more dangerous form called methyl-mercury, which can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Health Risks of Chronic Mercury Exposure

Although we can't directly link specific diseases to mercury from Amalgam fillings, long-term exposure to low levels of mercury has been shown to affect various parts of the body. It can disrupt your nervous system, kidneys, heart, liver, thyroid, digestive system, and immune system. In your gut, mercury can upset the balance of beneficial bacteria and promote the growth of harmful yeast, leading to issues like chronic bloating, hair loss, skin rashes, and food sensitivities.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you have Amalgam fillings, you might experience symptoms that suggest mercury vapours are being released. These include:

Nervousness and irritability
Frequent headaches
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Muscle twitching
Persistent weakness
Tremors
A metallic taste in your mouth
Nausea

Safe Removal: The SMART Protocol

The debate about Amalgam fillings continues, so deciding whether to remove them should be a personal choice made with the help of a knowledgeable healthcare professional. If you choose to have your fillings removed, it's crucial to find a holistic dentist who follows the SMART protocol. Regular dentists might not be fully equipped to handle the mercury vapors safely. During removal, tiny particles and vapor can spread and pose risks to you, the dental staff, and other patients. Studies have even shown contamination of the air and surfaces in dental offices during such procedures.

The Link to Alzheimer’s Disease

Recent research has suggested a connection between chronic mercury exposure from Amalgam fillings and Alzheimer's disease. One study found that women with mercury amalgam fillings were 13.2% more likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to those without them. Another study emphasized the need to eliminate mercury use in both industrial and medical settings as a major public health measure.

Taking Action

If you have Amalgam fillings and want to get them removed, here’s what you can do:

Find a SMART-certified dentist: Look for a dentist certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) to safely remove Amalgam fillings.
Prepare for detoxification: Work with a functional medicine practitioner experienced in detoxifying heavy metals. Detoxing should be gradual to avoid overloading your system. You can work with our team at Synergised here.
Pre and post-removal care: