the answer man



Dear Answer Man, in the story the Post-Bulletin ran last weekend on the environmental issues related to cremation, it said mercury in tooth fillings is one of the issues and a health hazard. Well, what about the fillings in my mouth? Aren't they a hazard to my health while I'm still alive? -- S.F.

You would think so, but public health officials don't seem to be drilling too deeply into the subject. The American Dental Association says that "dental amalgam" -- I love that phrase for the metallic junk that's often used to fill cavities -- "is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use." It's a "stable alloy made by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper and possibly other metallic elements."

The mercury makes the other metals more stable and safe, according to the ADA, and while it notes that "questions have arisen" about its safety, it cites many U.S. and world health organizations as saying that dental amalgam "is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material."

You can find plenty of people who believe otherwise, however, and the federal Food and Drug Administration is taking a closer look at the issue, according to U.S. News magazine. A new ruling or guideline from FDA is expected as early as this summer.

According to the magazine, "most experts do not recommend removing amalgam fillings and replacing them with composite resin or other material, since doing so can cause serious harm to teeth if not done properly."