Do silver tooth fillings cause neurological harm?

Do silver tooth fillings cause neurological harm?
February 18, 2008
GoErie.com

The question: Mercury can be toxic to the nervous system, so can exposure to the element through cavities filled with silver amalgam -- which contains of mercury -- pose risks for a child's brain development?

This study: The study randomly assigned healthy children to have decayed teeth filled with silver amalgam or a resin-based composite. For the next seven years, the children were given annual examinations assessing nervous system damage; signs of dysfunction, such as clumsiness; and tremors, a symptom of mercury toxicity. Tremors increased in both groups, by virtually the same amount. Symptoms of neurological problems basically did not differ between the groups, and indicators of dysfunction decreased over time as the children's neurological systems developed.

Who might be affected? Children with tooth decay. Dentists have used silver amalgam fillings for generations. Tooth-colored, resin-based fillings, also called composite fillings, are a more recent option for some teeth.

Caveats: The researchers suggested that the increase in tremors might have stemmed in part from the stress of the neurological exams. The study ruled out diet and vaccines as significant sources of mercury exposure.

Find this study: The study was published in the February issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.