Dental surface restorations composed of dental amalgam, a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and other metals, significantly contribute to prolonged mercury levels in the body, according to new research from UGA\u2019s College of Public Health.<\/p>\n
This research, which analyzed data from nearly 15,000 individuals, is the first to demonstrate a relationship between dental surface fillings and mercury exposure in a nationally representative population.<\/p>\n
\u201cTooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases,\u201d said Lei Yin, a scientist in the department of environmental health science and the study\u2019s lead author. \u201cI think a majority of people have experienced dental fillings, but the kind of materials the dentist uses isn\u2019t something that\u2019s really discussed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mercury exposure from dental fillings is not a new concern, but previous studies were inconsistent and limited, according to Xiaozhong \u201cJohn\u201d Yu, assistant professor of environmental health science and co-author of the study.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis study is trying to provide the most accurate levels of exposure, which will form the scientific basis to make future risk assessments,\u201d Yu said, adding that the study was the first to also control for age, education, ethnicity, race, gender, smoking and seafood consumption, which is a known contributor to mercury levels in the body.<\/p>\n
The results show that individuals with more than eight dental surface fillings had about 150 percent more mercury in their blood than those with none. The average American has three dental fillings, while 25 percent of the population has 11 or more.<\/p>\n
The researchers further analyzed exposure by specific types of mercury and found a significant increase in methyl mercury, the most toxic form of mercury, related to dental fillings. Yu said this result suggests the human gut microbiota, a collection of microorganisms living in the intestines, may transform different types of mercury.<\/p>\n
Dental amalgam has been the go-to dental filling material for more than 150 years, because it\u2019s affordable and durable. However, about half of the compound contains mercury, a heavy metal known to be toxic at high levels, causing brain, heart, kidney, lung and immune system damage.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs toxicologists, we know that mercury is poison, but it all depends on the dose. So, if you have one dental filling, maybe it\u2019s OK. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher,\u201d Yu said. People with numerous dental fillings who are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, are most at risk.<\/p>\n
According to its website, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults, but says, \u201cpregnant women and parents with children under six who are concerned about the absence of clinical data as to long-term health outcomes should talk to their dentist.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study also looked at dental composite resins, a mercury-free alternative for dental fillings that can release small amounts of bisphenol A, or BPA, which may cause developmental or reproductive damage. The results found no association between dental fillings and urinary BPA, but further research is needed to understand BPA exposure from resin-based materials.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important for doctors and patients to be informed in their selections,\u201d Yin said. \u201cWe now have an excellent starting point to evaluate the potential risk of dental material on human health.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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