U.N. Continues to Push for Mercury-Free Fillings

Could an international treaty make the dental community rethink a process that has been done for ages?

It is possible.

Anti-mercury activists are encouraging the United Nations to consider a plan of action that would make the use of mercury-based products illegal.

That would, of course, impact most United States dental practices as silver amalgam fillings are commonly used to fill holes drilled to remove tooth decay.

There are more than one hundred million Americans who already have mercury residing in their mouths.

Silver Amalgam fillings were once the best and only real option for filling a tooth after cavity.

A meeting by the UN recently involved a long talk on the topic of mercury and its potential for poisoning.

It was stated that the eventual goal was to have all dentists in every corner of the world stop using silver fillings, and to opt instead for newer alternatives.

Though the possibility of mercury poisoning as a result of silver fillings remains for minute, many believe that there is still reason for concern.

Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration holds fast to the ruling that amalgam fillings are a safe and effective dental treatment.

What will come of the proposed treaty is yet to be seen, but the debate continues to heat up.

To read more and form your own opinion, visit the full article.