New studies show mercury dental fillings do not present health risks

By Trevor Schubert

Published on April 20, 2006

Both studies were published in the April 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The studies compared neurological and kidney function in children with silver amalgam fillings (which contain mercury) and those with mercury-free, resin-composite fillings.

The two studies are the first randomized studies to analyze the impact mercury vapor may have on long term health. Mercury has been linked in the past to memory loss, tremors, lack of coordination, and psychiatric problems.

The studies appear to demonstrate that the minuscule amount used in tooth fillings is not enough to cause harm in children. The studies tracked 534 children from New England and 507 children in Lisbon, Spain. Both studies showed that the group with amalgam fillings had higher levels of mercury in their urine; however, they were unable to find any ill effects as a result.

There were no significant differences in memory, IQ, attention, or visual motor function between the children with mercury fillings and those with resin composites.

Experts believe the results of the studies show that there is no reason to avoid amalgam fillings.

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