Mercury is a naturally-occurring chemical that exists in air, water, and soil. Even small amounts of mercury exposure can have negative health repercussions. Our dental practice in Tijuana educates patients about mercury all the time — but why?
What is mercury?
Mercury is a naturally-occurring element that can occur in several forms. Examples of these forms include elemental (metallic), inorganic, and organic. Inorganic mercury exposure usually occurs through occupational hazard. On the other hand, organic mercury usually happens through contamination with food.
The amount of toxicity in the mercury depends on the type. Some kinds have detrimental effects on the nervous system, some on the digestive and immune systems, and some on the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes.
People come into contact with mercury in many different ways. Once the chemical is released into the earth, bacteria converts it into methylmercury. Methylmercury accumulates in fish and shellfish, which is how people can get exposed through their diets. Cooking food does not destroy mercury.
While all of us are exposed to some levels of mercury, certain people get more exposure.
To learn more about the dangers of mercury, visit this website.
How does mercury affect the body?
Most types of mercury are poisonous to both the central and peripheral nervous systems. When people inhale the vapor, they can cause damage to their nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Some of these effects can be fatal, especially damage to lungs and kidneys. The inorganic salts found in mercury can corrode the skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract. They may also cause kidney poisoning.
How does mercury relate to dentistry?
Have you ever had a cavity filled with a silver filling? Those fillings actually contain 50% mercury. Also known as amalgam fillings, dentists invented them in the 19th century as a cheap, durable, and easy way to fix tooth decay.
Even though there are no “safe” levels of mercury, many dentists still use the fillings to save money. This means that people with amalgam fillings are ingesting little bits of mercury every time they chew. Gum chewers and hot coffee or tea drinkers are taking in even more.
That’s why our dental practice in Tijuana is constantly trying to warn patients about the dangers of metal fillings. It’s our goal to preserve the health of our patients.
We also offer a procedure to remove your amalgam fillings and replace them with safer composite material.
The longer you have your mercury fillings in your mouth, the more you’ll be exposed to the harmful chemical. Scientists have linked even low levels of mercury exposure to long-term brain damage and diseases like cancer. It can make you feel tired, cause you to be distracted, and weaken your immune system.
At our dental practice in Tijuana, you can have your mercury-based fillings removed safely, easily, and painlessly. To learn more about our procedures, click here.
Don’t live your life being poisoned by the mercury fillings in your mouth. Call our office in Tijuana today.
