Hi Caroline,

I will rarely turn away a question about dentistry, especially when it comes from someone who has a genuine interest in learning

I will post a history page about the use of mercury in dentistry posted by Dr Wolf a dentist who practices holistic dentistry. His info is straight from the literary archives. It's aa brief interesting read as it shows how strongly involved the ADA became with the usage of mercury.

Mercury is a very soft, pliable material. When it is used in conjunction with other metals, as it is in amalgam filling material, it can be molded to any shape you want it to be. Once the material is shaped it hardens very quickly. However, it can be easily cracked or broken and the vapors of mercury are eternally off gassing. The main reasons it was (is) used in dentistry were because it is easy to work with and cheap to buy. Dentists are aware that mercury is toxic in any form. The reasons it has not been outlawed in dentistry is because some large dental organizations still have a financial stake in the sales of the material and because there is this major fear that acknowledgement of the toxicity will cause massive law suits and consumer pandemonium.

Amalgam fillings are 50% mercury mixed with silver, tin, and copper. The mercury as I said starts out soft and it helps bind the other metals together to form a hard compound.

There are other dental materials that are less toxic and even bio compatible with the human body. But there really is no "benign" dental material. There are all sorts of chemicals, adhesives, glues, metals, plastics, etc. used in all phases of dental restorations.

Here is the link to the history of mercury fillings........

http://www.drwolfe.com/dentistry/mercury_fillings

Caroline... thanks for asking!!
Bryanna





QUOTE=caroline2;1175691]Bryanna, since you are so knowledgeable in the dental world, I am forever curious why the dental industry chose to use mercury in our dental health. There has got to be other additives that does not cause so much harm. Just wondering. I understand if you don't care to reply to this one. Thanks.[/QUOTE]