Dentists are suing state regulators over what they feel is a gag order preventing them from discussing with patients the potential health risks of silver amalgam fillings.

The concern is these fillings, which are about half mercury, can cause a number of health problems when mercury vapors from the filling seep into the body.

Mercury exposure can contribute to:

• Fatigue
  
• Immunity
  
• Parkinson's
  
• Alzheimer's

Mercury vapor released from chewing and corrosion may account for 75% of a person's daily mercury exposure.

The law suite, filed by five dentists and seven patients, claims that dental regulators use control of dental licenses to punish or threaten dentists who oppose mercury amalgam. They hope to stop licensing boards form enforcing any policy that prevents, limits or intimidates dentists from discussing the potential dangers of mercury fillings with patients.

Since silver amalgam is the cheapest form of filling the dental establishment claims some dentists are using the controversy to encourage patients to remove mercury fillings and replace them with more expensive materials.

The ADA sill claims mercury is safe once mixed with other metals and set in teeth, however they do warn dentists about the potential hazards of mercury vapor when they handle the material.

The Wall Street Journal May 10, 2001 Page B1

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

I went to Washington D.C. a few weeks ago to participate in a National Press Conference. I was a bit disappointed in the turn out, however, it does appear that this article in the Wall Street Journal is a direct result of the press conference. Eventually the truth will come out and it will likely be as a result of legal actions. The unfortunate problem is that if mercury is finally recognized as the true toxic poison that it is, there will be trillions, not billions, of dollars of damages that the dental profession will be liable for. This will make the tobacco litigation look like small potatoes. It will be interesting to see this develop, but in the meantime, please refrain from using any dentist who currently puts amalgam fillings in your mouth. If they are still doing that, they are clueless about the dangers of mercury. Eventually the mercury will cause serious neurtoxicity in your dentist and limit their ability to provide the type of care that you will need. Related Articles: First Mercury Poisoning/Vaccine Law Suit Filed March 23, 2001 Mercury Detoxification Protocol Mercury reaches brain directly through nerves Some States Seeking To Limit Mercury Use in Products