![]() “We now have an excellent starting point to evaluate the potential risk of dental material on human health. “It’s important for doctors and patients to be informed in their selections,” Yin said. The results found no association between dental fillings and urinary BPA, but further research is needed to understand BPA exposure from resin-based materials. The study also looked at dental composite resins, a mercury-free alternative for dental fillings that can release small amounts of bisphenol A, or BPA, which may cause developmental or reproductive damage. Food and Drug Administration considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults, but says, “pregnant women and parents with children under six who are concerned about the absence of clinical data as to long-term health outcomes should talk to their dentist.” ![]() The average American has three dental fillings, while 25 percent of the population has 11 or more fillings.Īccording to its website, the U.S. The results show that individuals with more than eight fillings had about 150 percent more mercury in their blood than those with none. ![]() People with numerous dental fillings who are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, are most at risk. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher,” Yu said. So, if you have one dental filling, maybe it’s OK. “As toxicologists, we know that mercury is poison, but it all depends on the dose. New research suggests that methyl mercury may cause damage even at low levels. However, about half of the compound contains mercury, a heavy metal known to be toxic at high levels, causing brain, heart, kidney, lung and immune system damage. Yu said this result suggests the human gut microbiota, a collection of microorganisms living in the intestines, may transform different types of mercury.ĭental amalgam has been the go-to dental filling material for more than 150 years, because it’s affordable and durable. The researchers further analyzed exposure by specific types of mercury and found a significant increase in methyl mercury, the most toxic form of mercury, related to dental fillings. “This study is trying to provide the most accurate levels of exposure, which will form the scientific basis to make future risk assessment,” Yu said, adding that the study was the first to also control for age, education, ethnicity, race, gender, smoking and seafood consumption, which is a known contributor to mercury levels in the body. Mercury exposure from dental fillings is not a new concern, but previous studies were inconsistent and limited, according to Xiaozhong “John” Yu, assistant professor of environmental health science and co-author of the study. “I think a majority of people have experienced dental fillings, but the kind of materials the dentist uses isn’t something that’s really discussed.” ![]() “Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases,” said Lei Yin, a scientist in the department of environmental health science and the study’s lead author. The results were published online last week and will be available in the print edition of the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety in December. Public education on poisoning and the potential hazards of mercury are of vital importance for community health.This research, which analyzed data from nearly 15,000 individuals, is the first to demonstrate a relationship between dental fillings and mercury exposure in a nationally representative population. At the discharge day blood was drawn and sent for mercury levels which turned out to be 30 microg/dL (normal range: 0-10 microg/dL). At the 7th day of admission she was discharged without any sequelae or complaint. As serine or urinary mercury levels could not be tested in the city, symptomatic chelation treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was instituted with regard to presumptive diagnosis and history. Nothing was remarkable on examination and routine laboratory tests. Her blood pressure was 134/87 mmHg temperature, 40.2 degrees C heart rate 105 bpm and regular respiration, 18 bpm O2 saturation, 96%. Then a shocking lab accident halted her trajectory: on June 8, 1997, Wetterhahn died from dimethylmercury poisoning. One day later, her 14-month old sister baby got fever and died before admission to the hospital. One week ago her daughter had brought mercury in the liquid form from the school. This article presents a 36-year-old case admitted to emergency department (ED) due to exposure to metallic mercury.Ī 36-year-old woman presented to the ED with a three-day history of abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever. Mercury poisoning can occur as a result of occupational hazard or suicide attempt.
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