Posted on June 6, 2008 by Gerald Pugliese
The FDA says silver-colored dental fillings may pose a mercury risk for pregnant women, children, and fetuses.
Reuters reports:
As part of the settlement with several consumer advocacy groups, the FDA agreed to alert consumers about the potential risks on its website and to issue a more specific rule next year for fillings that contain mercury, FDA spokeswoman Peper Long said.
Millions of Americans have the fillings, or amalgams, to patch cavities in their teeth.
"Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses," the FDA said in a notice on its Web site.
"Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner," the agency said.
Actually, I’m in the process of getting mine switched to white fillings.
You are? I would LOVE to do that too but I'm so freaked out and also unsure if I can really afford it. Can you give me more info about your experience?
tx
Hey Lola-
Well, I had a bunch of cavities a while ago--a reminder of my previously unhealthy diet--so now when I go for cleanings (3 times a year) and my dentist finds an old silver filling that is eroding, I bite the bullet--no pun intended--and go for the white ones. Believe me, it ain't cheap! But I think its worth it.
Talk to your dentist before you do anything.
Peace.
-Gerry
What's a white filling?