Dr. Timon's Pediatric Dental Blog

Last week U.S. regulators for the first time said the mercury in dental fillings may have toxic effects on fetuses and young children.

The FDA agreed to post the statement about mercury used in dental fillings to settle a lawsuit. The EPA has labeled mercury a neurotoxin which crosses the placental barrier and poses serious health risks for fetuses, young children, people with kidney disease. It can interfere with brain growth and has been shown to affect cognitive and motor-skill development. In the settlement, the FDA agreed to conclude a regulatory review of mercury in fillings by July of 2009.

At issue is whether the amount of mercury released during placement, removal and while dental amalgams are in the mouth is sufficient to cause harm. While some countries (Austria, Denmark, Germany and Sweden) in the EU have set limitations no country has banned it's use.

Labels: amalgam, dental amalgam, dental fillings, mercury