Mercury Poisoning And Strokes: Dental Risk Factors

how many teeth can give you mercury poisoning cause strokes

Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause severe health issues and even death in humans. Mercury poisoning occurs when one is exposed to too much mercury, which can happen through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. While mercury poisoning is rare in the United States, it can be more common in other countries, particularly in mining communities and seaside towns. The most common cause of mercury poisoning is consuming too much methylmercury or organic mercury, usually from eating seafood. Certain dental fillings, known as amalgam fillings, also contain mercury, and while the debate continues, some believe that these fillings can contribute to mercury poisoning. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include a metallic taste in the mouth, difficulty breathing, swollen or bleeding gums, and a burning sensation in the throat and stomach. Treatment for mercury poisoning focuses on removing mercury from the body and may include chelation therapy, oxygen therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery.

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Mercury poisoning from amalgam fillings: Is it harmful?

Mercury is a highly toxic element that can cause harm to the human body even at low doses. Amalgam fillings, also known as "silver fillings", are dental fillings that contain approximately 50% mercury, along with other metals such as tin, copper, and silver. While amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years and are praised for their strength and durability, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with mercury exposure.

The main concern with amalgam fillings is the continuous release of mercury vapour, which can be intensified by activities such as chewing and teeth-grinding. This mercury vapour is absorbed and retained in the body, particularly in organs like the brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. However, it's important to note that the exposure to mercury vapours from amalgam fillings is considered fairly low and is well below the limits set for workplace exposure.

Despite the low exposure levels, there are still potential health risks associated with amalgam fillings. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivity to the mercury or other metal components in the fillings, leading to lesions, rashes, and other side effects. In rare cases, amalgam fillings have been linked to more serious health issues, including neurological and psychological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. However, scientific investigations have generally refuted or found no direct link between amalgam fillings and these diseases.

The consensus among national and international health organisations, such as the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is that amalgam fillings are safe for adults and children over the age of six. They have found no clinical evidence of mercury poisoning in people with amalgam fillings and conclude that the benefits of controlling tooth decay outweigh the potential risks.

In summary, while amalgam fillings do release small amounts of mercury, the levels of exposure are not considered harmful for most individuals. However, for those with allergies or sensitivities, alternative filling materials are recommended. Additionally, pregnant women and young children may be more vulnerable to the effects of mercury vapour, so extra caution should be exercised in these cases. Overall, the current scientific consensus is that amalgam fillings do not pose a significant health risk for the general population.

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How to detox from mercury fillings

While it's improbable that mercury poisoning can occur from fillings, as the level of mercury exposure from dental fillings isn't a threat to health, it is still important to know how to detox from mercury fillings.

Safe removal of amalgam fillings

It is important to stress that amalgam filling removal should only be carried out according to the strict protocols as laid out by the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT). These steps are designed to limit any mercury exposure to the patient and the dental team during the removal process.

Mercury detox post-filling removal

  • Changes to your diet
  • Taking the right antioxidants
  • Chelating agents

Getting your diet right

  • Maintain a diet high in protein
  • Eat plenty of fresh vegetables
  • Take in plenty of water
  • Take unprocessed pure oils including flax oil, sunflower oil and sesame oil
  • Take healthy, natural fats including seeds, nuts, avocado and free-range poultry and eggs
  • Consume predatory fish such as tuna or salmon. These larger fish have levels of mercury much higher than smaller fish such as sardines
  • Three cloves of garlic a day is thought to enhance sulphur in the body, which helps the body to remove mercury. Garlic tablets or a liquid garlic supplement can be taken instead of fresh cloves if you prefer

Regular bowel movements

Removing mercury from the body involves excretion through bowel movements. Two or three movements per day is thought to be optimal. Taking freshly ground flax seed can help this.

Up your daily intake of fresh water

Up your daily intake of fresh water to at least two litres per day. This will help your body through the elimination process.

Chlorella

I would always advise caution in using chlorella, however, as one-third of people do not have the enzyme required to break it down. Start with a very small dose, about 500mg once a day to ensure that you don’t show any sensitivity to this algae. If your body proves tolerant, you can increase this dose to one gram, three to four times a day. If you feel unwell, discontinue use and contact your holistic dentist. It’s important to listen to your body.

Chelating agents

A chelating agent is a substance whose molecules can bond to metal ions, helping to remove them from the body. These can come in tablet or intravenous drip form. In this regard, it’s best to discuss your options with your holistic dentist.

However, nature also provides its own natural chelating agents. These include:

Cilantro (Chinese parsley) extract

Antioxidants

It is likely that you will have started taking the recommended antioxidants prior to your amalgam filling removal. These might include vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium.

  • Vitamin E has been shown to protect the brain from methylmercury.
  • Vitamin C mobilises mercury, preparing for its removal from the body. Oranges, guava, kiwi, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and dark green leafy vegetables are just some great sources of vitamin C.
  • Selenium will help to stabilise your immune system and your overall health.

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Sources of mercury exposure

Mercury is a naturally occurring substance found in the air, water, and soil. It is also found in dental fillings, which has raised concerns about the potential for mercury poisoning. However, scientific evidence suggests that there is no clinical evidence of mercury poisoning in people with amalgam fillings. Here are the common sources of mercury exposure:

Elemental Mercury Exposure

Elemental mercury is a silvery, odourless liquid that slowly evaporates at room temperature, turning into a vapour. Exposure to elemental mercury typically occurs through inhalation of mercury vapour, often as a result of broken products or devices containing mercury, such as thermometers or thermostats. It is also used in electrical switches, fluorescent light bulbs, and dental fillings. Inhalation of elemental mercury vapour can lead to immediate symptoms such as a metallic taste in the mouth, bleeding or swollen gums, and difficulty breathing.

Inorganic Mercury Exposure

Inorganic mercury is formed when mercury combines with other chemical elements like chlorine, sulfur, or oxygen. Sources of inorganic mercury exposure include certain types of batteries, disinfectants, chemistry labs, and some medical equipment. Inorganic mercury is harmful when swallowed, and it can cause burning sensations in the stomach and throat, blood in vomit or stool, and changes in urine colour.

Organic Mercury Exposure

Organic mercury is created when elemental mercury is converted by bacteria in water and soil into methylmercury, which is ingested by fish and enters the food chain. The primary source of organic mercury exposure is through consuming fish and shellfish that contain high levels of methylmercury. Populations that consume large quantities of fish, such as fishing communities or those living near seaside towns, may be at higher risk of mercury exposure. Organic mercury can also be found in older antiseptic formulas and coal fumes. Exposure to organic mercury over long periods can lead to symptoms like numbness, tremors, double vision, and brain damage in developing fetuses.

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Symptoms of mercury poisoning

Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth's crust, as well as in the air, water, and soil. It is toxic to humans and can cause mercury poisoning when there is exposure to or consumption of too much mercury. The symptoms of mercury poisoning vary depending on the type of mercury (elemental, inorganic, or organic) and the method of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact). Here are the symptoms of mercury poisoning for each type:

Elemental Mercury Poisoning Symptoms:

Elemental mercury is typically dangerous when it is inhaled and enters the lungs. It can also be harmful if swallowed, although this is less common. Symptoms of elemental mercury poisoning include:

  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Bleeding or swollen gums

Inorganic Mercury Poisoning Symptoms:

Inorganic mercury is poisonous when swallowed, as it travels through the bloodstream and affects the brain and kidneys. Symptoms of inorganic mercury poisoning include:

  • Burning sensation in the stomach and/or throat
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Urine colour changes

Organic Mercury Poisoning Symptoms:

Organic mercury causes symptoms when inhaled or through skin contact. Symptoms may not appear immediately and usually arise after long-term exposure. However, exposure to a large amount of organic mercury at once can also cause symptoms. Symptoms of organic mercury poisoning include:

  • Numbness or dull pain in certain body parts
  • Tremors or uncontrollable shaking
  • Double vision, blurry vision, or blindness
  • Kidney damage
  • Central nervous system damage
  • Cognitive and motor dysfunction
  • Insomnia
  • Memory loss
  • Headaches
  • Neuromuscular effects

It is important to note that mercury poisoning is rare in the United States but may be more common in other countries, especially in mining communities or near seaside towns where food can become contaminated with mercury. If you suspect mercury poisoning, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately.

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Treatment of mercury poisoning

Treatment for mercury poisoning will vary depending on the type of mercury exposure and the amount inhaled, swallowed, or touched. If you suspect mercury poisoning, it is important to seek immediate medical attention by going to the emergency room or calling the poison control helpline (1-800-222-1222). Here is an overview of the treatment options for each type of mercury poisoning:

Elemental Mercury Poisoning

  • General treatment: The person should be moved away from the source of exposure. Vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure, will be monitored.
  • Tests and diagnostics: Blood and urine tests, as well as an electrocardiogram (ECG), may be performed.
  • Treatments: Activated charcoal may be administered by mouth or through a tube in limited circumstances. Other treatments include dialysis, fluids through an IV, and medication to address symptoms.
  • Inhaled elemental mercury poisoning: The person may receive humidified oxygen or air, breathing support (including oxygen and the use of a ventilator), suctioning of mercury from the lungs, medication to remove mercury and heavy metals from the body, and surgical removal of mercury if injected under the skin.
  • Swallowed elemental mercury: Elemental mercury is usually harmless if swallowed, as it is not absorbed by the body.

Inorganic Mercury Poisoning

  • General treatment: Treatment often begins with supportive care, including fluids through an IV and medication to address symptoms.
  • Treatments: Activated charcoal is used to absorb inorganic mercury from the stomach. Chelation therapy, using medications called chelators, is employed to remove mercury from the blood.

Organic Mercury Poisoning

  • General treatment: Treatment usually consists of chelation therapy with medications called chelators, which remove mercury from the blood and move it away from the brain and kidneys.
  • Long-term exposure: Long-term exposure to organic mercury can cause chronic brain damage, which is difficult to treat. Some patients have shown success with chelation treatment.

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy is a common treatment for mercury poisoning. It involves the use of chelating agents, such as dimercaprol, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, and sodium 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate, to bind to the mercury in the body and facilitate its removal. These oral chelators have advantages over dimercaprol, including reduced toxicity and the ability to chelate all species of mercury.

It is important to note that seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for the effective treatment of mercury poisoning.

Frequently asked questions

Mercury poisoning is not usually caused by teeth fillings. However, older amalgam fillings are silver in colour and contain about 50% mercury. If you have damaged fillings, you are at a greater risk of mercury exposure and poisoning.

Mercury poisoning can cause issues with the nervous system, including problems with motor skills, coordination, and walking. It is not stated that it can cause strokes, but it can cause permanent lung damage and potential brain damage.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning include a metallic taste in the mouth, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, headaches, muscle weakness, tremors, double vision, and more.

If you suspect you have mercury poisoning, you should go to your local emergency room or contact your local poison control helpline.

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