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Dental fillings increase mercury levels, says study
Posted on: 29/Sep/2016 11:24:14 AM
A new study published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety has said that people with more than eight dental fillings may have 150 per cent more mercury in their blood, increasing the risk of brain, heart and kidney damage. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia.
Say the researchers, Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. I think a majority of people have experienced dental fillings, but the kind of materials the dentist uses is not something that is really discussed. Mercury exposure from dental fillings is not a new concern, but previous studies were inconsistent and limited. This study is trying to provide the most accurate levels of exposure, which will form the scientific basis to make future risk assessment. It was the first study to control for age, education, ethnicity, race, gender, smoking and seafood consumption, which also contributes to mercury levels in the body. The result suggests the human gut microbiota, a collection of microorganisms living in the intestines, may transform different types of mercury. As toxicologists, we know that mercury is poison, but it all depends on the dose. If you have one dental filling, maybe it is ok. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher.
