Summary about Disease
Quicksilver Amalgam Toxicity "Quicksilver amalgam toxicity" typically refers to potential adverse health effects from mercury exposure, specifically from dental amalgam fillings. Dental amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% elemental mercury, mixed with other metals like silver, tin, and copper. While dental organizations maintain that the low levels of mercury released are generally safe for most people, concerns remain about potential health risks in susceptible individuals or with high levels of exposure. The debate centers on the extent and impact of mercury vapor released from these fillings during chewing, brushing, or other oral activities, and its subsequent absorption into the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with potential mercury toxicity from dental amalgams are often nonspecific and can overlap with other conditions, making a direct link difficult to establish. Reported symptoms include:
Neurological: Fatigue, headaches, tremors, memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, depression, irritability, numbness or tingling in extremities.
Oral: Metallic taste, excessive salivation, burning mouth syndrome.
Gastrointestinal: Digestive problems, abdominal pain.
Other: Skin rashes, immune system dysfunction, kidney problems.
Causes
The primary cause of concern is the release of mercury vapor from dental amalgam fillings. This release can be increased by:
Chewing
Brushing teeth
Grinding teeth (bruxism)
Consumption of hot or acidic foods/beverages
Galvanic reactions (interactions between different metals in the mouth)
Placement or removal of amalgam fillings Other potential sources of mercury exposure (e.g., diet, environment) can contribute to the overall mercury body burden.
Medicine Used
There isn't a standard "medicine" used to treat mercury amalgam toxicity directly, as the primary focus is on reducing mercury exposure. Treatment approaches may include:
Amalgam Removal: Controversial; removing fillings can lead to a temporary spike in mercury vapor exposure. Strict protocols with specialized equipment are necessary to minimize exposure during removal.
Chelation Therapy: Use of chelating agents (e.g., DMPS, DMSA) to bind to mercury and facilitate its excretion from the body. This is a controversial treatment with potential side effects and is generally reserved for cases of severe mercury poisoning.
Supportive Therapies: Addressing specific symptoms (e.g., antidepressants for depression, pain relievers for headaches).
Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications: Focusing on a healthy diet, adequate hydration, and avoiding other sources of mercury exposure.
Supplements: Some practitioners may recommend supplements like selenium, Vitamin C, or antioxidants. These are not directly medicinal.
Is Communicable
No, mercury amalgam toxicity is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions to minimize potential risks related to mercury amalgam fillings include:
Maintaining good oral hygiene.
Avoiding excessive chewing of gum or teeth grinding.
Limiting consumption of very hot or acidic foods and beverages.
Discussing concerns with a dentist regarding alternative filling materials.
If amalgam removal is considered, choosing a dentist experienced in safe amalgam removal techniques (e.g., using a rubber dam, high-volume evacuation, and supplemental air).
How long does an outbreak last?
Outbreak" is not an appropriate term for mercury amalgam toxicity, as it's a chronic exposure issue, not an acute infectious disease. Symptoms, if present, may be persistent and fluctuate in intensity depending on factors influencing mercury release and individual susceptibility. If amalgam fillings are removed, symptoms may improve, persist, or worsen temporarily. If chelation therapy is used, the duration depends on the protocol used.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing mercury amalgam toxicity is challenging due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms and the lack of definitive diagnostic tests. Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical History: Assessing potential mercury exposure sources (dental amalgams, diet, occupation).
Symptom Evaluation: Reviewing the patient's reported symptoms.
Physical Examination: Assessing for signs and symptoms potentially related to mercury exposure.
Mercury Level Testing: Measuring mercury levels in blood, urine, or hair. These tests have limitations and can be affected by recent mercury exposure (e.g., recent amalgam placement or removal). Hair analysis is controversial.
Differential Diagnosis: Ruling out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms is highly variable and depends on individual factors:
Onset: Symptoms may develop gradually over time or may appear after amalgam placement or removal.
Progression: Symptoms may fluctuate in intensity depending on factors affecting mercury release.
Resolution: Symptoms may persist indefinitely, improve after amalgam removal (in some cases), or require ongoing management.
Important Considerations
Scientific Debate: The safety of dental amalgam fillings remains a topic of ongoing debate within the scientific and dental communities.
Individual Susceptibility: Individuals may vary in their susceptibility to mercury toxicity.
Alternative Filling Materials: Resin composites, glass ionomers, and ceramics are alternatives to amalgam fillings.
Safe Amalgam Removal: If amalgam removal is considered, it is essential to choose a dentist trained in safe amalgam removal techniques to minimize mercury exposure.
Differential Diagnosis: The symptoms attributed to mercury amalgam toxicity can be caused by other conditions, so a thorough medical evaluation is important.
Chelation Therapy Cautions: Chelation therapy should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional due to potential risks and side effects.