As a kid growing up in the 50’s and 60’s I loved my sweets, brushing my teeth – not so much! I spent a lot of time at the dentist, filling all of the cavities my sweet tooth helped create. Of course back then no one gave a second thought to what was in those shiny silver fillings, or knew that they contained a highly toxic substance called mercury.

As a kid I had a number of health problems, which at the time was attributed to “nerves”…later in life I discovered I suffered with hypoglycemia, food sensitivities, and digestive issues. Never once did anyone think to attribute these things to those little silver fillings, yet today I realize that well could have been a major factor.

In the last 8 years I have had all of my silver fillings removed and replaced with composite resin fillings. It was a long, tedious, and expensive process, but I think it was well worth it. I am very lucky to live in an area where there are several dentists who practice a holistic and more natural type of dentistry. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Dr. James Hardy, author of Mercury Free, who has very generously allowed me to present information from his website, www.mercury-free.com, as well as offer a few thoughts on natural dentistry.

If you are looking for a holistic/natural dentist in your area here are some places to look: www.holisticdental.org, www.mercuryfreedentists.com.

About Mercury:

Mercury has been used in dental fillings for over 160 years and its use has always been controversial. When introduced in the United States in 1834 physicians called its use in tooth repair malpractice. But they remained popular, probably because it was the first inexpensive room temperature filling material ever available.

Mercury is more dangerous and more poisonous than lead or arsenic. Mercury is banned for use in pesticides and interior paint, but not in fillings or children’s vaccines!! Dental silver amalgams are composed mostly, up to 70%, of mercury. They release mercury vapors into the body 24 hours a day. As mercury filling age in the teeth they break down. From the time placed in the tooth until the last speck has been removed, mercury vapor is released. This can have a detrimental effect of every organ in the body, the brain and central nervous systems. Symptoms of mercury poisoning are often misdiagnosed for months or even years.

Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning include:
Abnormal Hunger, Anorexia Nervosa, Antibiotic Resistance, Arthritis-like Joint Pain, Asthma, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Birth Defects, Candidiasis (Yeast Infection), Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Fatigue, Diabetes, Insipidus-like Symptoms, Depression, Food Hypersensitivities, Gum Disease (Periodontitis), Hearing Disturbances, Heart Attacks, Hyperglycemia, Immune system imbalances, Menstrual Disturbances, Migraine Headaches, MS-like Symptoms, Oral Diseases, Parkinson's Disease-like Symptoms, and Tremors.

If you and your dentist decide to remove your mercury fillings, you may also want to consider a detox program to help your body release the mercury residue.

Detox Program:
	There are many different, valid and useful programs available. Consult your physician, M.D., naturopath, homeopath, chiropractor or other healthcare provider who is knowledgeable and qualified in detoxifying the body from mercury before going on a program, especially if you have medical problems or are on medication. A simple four week mercury detoxification program includes:
	•	First week: Vitamin C, time released, 1000 mg. twice a day; Vitamin A, 5000 IU a day; Vitamin E, 200 IU a day; Vitamin B complex "for stress", 15 to 20 mg. a day; Zinc, chelated, 15-20 mg. a day; Manganese, 2.5-5 mg. a day; Magnesium, 450 mg. a day; Chromium, 0.2 mg. a day.
	•	Second week: Decrease Vitamin C to 1500 mg. a day, keep taking all others.
	•	Third week: Decrease Vitamin C to 1000 mg. a day, decrease Vitamin A to 2500 IU a day and keep taking all others.
	•	Fourth week: Decrease Vitamin C to 500 mg. a day and keep taking all others. You can stop the program at the end of the fourth week. If you schedule a removal session in the middle of the program, start the program from the first week. Other useful detoxification may include: Herbs: cilantro (highly recommended) and milk thistle. Homeopathic: Dentox. Foods: asparagus, eggs, onions, garlic, cabbage and broccoli. Other: charcoal, chlorella, blue-green algae and MSM.

From Dr. Hardy:

“I've never seen a set of teeth walk into my office without a body attached. I've never seen somebody walk into my office without emotional attachments. And I've never seen someone with poor eating habits and a stressful lifestyle without the eventual manifestation of physical consequences.

So, in my practice of Health-Centered Dentistry, I find it important to learn as much as I can about your lifestyle and eating habits. I then share with you what I know about the interrelationships of your physical, emotional and dental health based on your profile. This information allows me to be a better dentist for you.

We all have different paths in life that create different tastes. That's why they make more flavors than chocolate and vanilla. So I believe each patient is an individual, with individual needs. How I treat you and what I do for you depends on the bigger picture of who you are, not just what your teeth look like.

At my office, I see you as a whole person, complex and original. In the heart of my office philosophy rests your good health.

Over 100 million Americans have "silver" fillings in their mouths. These fillings, called amalgams, are really made of up to 70% mercury which leaks out 24 hours a day. Even small amounts of mercury have a dangerous cumulative effect, more toxic than lead or arsenic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of fish containing more than 1 part per million (ppm) of mercury. Yet the American Dental Association (ADA) will not ban amalgams which may contain up to 500,000 ppm. I have written a book explaining why dental mercury should be banned. Mercury Free: The wisdom behind the global movement to ban "silver" mercury dental fillings, is the dental consumers' guide to understanding amalgam's dangers to our bodies and our environment.”