Eight fillings, no more. This is what is advised in the results of a study published in the medical journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. Beyond this practice of dental care exposes the patient to mercury poisoning in the blood.
Researchers from the Department of Environmental Health Science at the University of Georgia in the United States conducted a study with 15,000 people to determine if there is a relationship between dental fillings and mercury exposure.
“Mercury exposure from dental fillings is not a new concern, but previous studies were inconsistent and limited,” says Xiaozhong Yu, assistant professor of environmental health sciences and co-author of the study.
Fillings toxic to health?
The researchers found a significant increase in methyl mercury, the most toxic form of mercury, in relation to dental fillings. Indeed, individuals with more than 8 fillings have blood levels increased by more than 150% of mercury. However, an adult has, on average, 3 dental fillings, 25% 11 fillings or more. However, methyl mercury can cause damage, even at low levels.
The researchers also studied dental composite resins, a mercury-free alternative to treat cavities. They noticed that they could release small amounts of bisphenol A, or BPA, which can cause developmental and fertility damage. But more research is needed to verify the link between BPA exposure and dental resin materials.
“Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases,” said Lei Yin, one of the researchers from the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and lead author of the study. “I think the majority of people have fillings dental, but the type of materials used by the dentist is not something that is really discussed.”
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