Is It Really Mercury?

Yikes! Check out this video.

Using a mercury metering device, this dentist shows that mercury CAN be released from these fillings after slightly rubbing the fillings with a dental explorer.

Once you are done watching this, go to youtube and read the comments. They’re scary. One dentist who has been around it for years has developed a severe mercury toxicity because of his constant exposure to it.

I personally feel grateful to have a brand new dental office without the lingering mercury in the air.

Green Dentistry. Is there such a thing?

In my search for the best information for my blog, I’ve scoured the internet looking to see if there is such a thing called “Green Dentistry.”  With it being hip to be green, from hollywood celebrities to corporate jaggernauts, I’m surprised not many dentists have adopted the concept.

It is common however for dentists to jump on the bandwagon.  Though lately I’ve given more thought to it than most dentists, here ar e few things that any dentist may consider when going green.

1.  Removing mercury fillings and SAFELY discarding them.  I’m not going to mention too much about the mercury toxicity debate but I am going to mention that it is a requirement to dispose of the hazardous material properly.  I know that in my previous office, strict protocols were needed to monitor the substance and extra equipment like amalgam separators.

2.  Energy savings in the office.  As dentists, we want to have nice well-lit offices to create a pleasant environment, but is it right to do at the expense of energy?  Not to mention, the added costs to light up and power the computers and other dental equipment.

3.  Conserve on disposables.  A lot of dentists use barriers to cover up surfaces but all of these plastics and paper products add to landfills.  Dentists should instruct their staff to use spray and wipe techniques to disinfect surfaces.

4.  Paper in the office.  Whenever you go to the dentist for the first time, the first thing they do is give you a clipboard with several pieces of paper… commonly called “The Paperwork.”  Nowadays, offices are computerized and an online form is becoming more popular.  They even have signature pads for you to sign.  The term paperless would be difficult these days but a chartless dental office is now feasible with current software.

5.  Chemicals.  With the advent of digital xrays, dental offices are able to eliminate the need for x-ray developing chemicals.  Choose an office with digital xrays.

6.  Text and email communications instead of postcards and mailed statements.  Another way to cut down on paper is with the use of the internet and cell phones.  People actual prefer a text or email reminder as opposed to a phone call.

This list could be a whole lot longer but these 6 tips are a good way to start.  Feel free to print this out and give it to your dentist.  They may even give you a discount on your next cleaning!

Dr. Marvin

ps.  I’m still working on a book for dentists on how to be environmentally friendly.  Subscribe to this feed for the latest updates.

Mercury Toxicity: Now Is The Perfect Time To Get Rid Of The Poison

If you’ve ever wanted the best time to have your metal fillings (aka amalgams or mercury fillings) removed, then today is a good day to start… because just a few weeks ago, the Food and Drug Administration changed their pitiful stance on the toxic substance.

Previously, the FDA and American Dental Association agreed that mercury toxicity from dental amalgam fillings were safe, despite known facts about the toxicity in humans. Debates over the safety of amalgam fillings have been staged for decades with many individuals, doctors and dentists included, rallying against the placement of these poisonous fillings.

However, the stubbornness of these large associations still insisted (until a few weeks ago) that it is unlawful for dentist and other medical providers to recommend removing mercury fillings for “health”reasons.

But, since being sued, the FDA has changed their view “slightly” on the topic and it shows on their website. We hope to see the ADA and state dental boards changing their stance.

What does this mean to you?

Well… now you can go to your dentist and have them removed without the dentist fearing litigation. You can have your amalgams removed for the purpose of health. Run a google search on mercury toxicity or visit

IAOMT International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology …

for more information.

This association actually has a protocol for removing amalgams safely. Unfortunately, about 99% of dentists don’t follow up but I’m optimistic they will in the near future with this ruling.

A couple features of the protocol involve a change in technique when removing amalgams… such as using a rubber dam and breaking the fillings in large chunks. You should also have a mercury vapor ionizer because it has shown that the most mercury is removed during placement and removal of the filling.

Because of this recently news, I’m going to dig deeper into the subject and determine what I can do to help my patients to safely remove the mercury fillings. I may also write a report about it… we’ll see. It depends on how much time I have in the coming weeks. If you want to be notified, just sign up for my newsletter.

Dr. Marvin