Mercury and its toxicity

The traditional position

Faced with the debate on the use of dental amalgams, the major associations took a stand. In the United States, the American Dental Association, which represents a major leader in dentistry, states that the amount of mercury in dental amalgam is not sufficient to affect health[1].

For its part, the Canadian Dental Association argues that dental amalgams are safe, including for people with increased sensitivity to mercury (between 2 and 3% of the population)[2].

Finally, the Ordre des dentistes du Québec, without denying the dangers of mercury exposure, indicates that the quantity absorbed by a person in the presence of a restoration made from dental amalgam is well below the minimum dose with an adverse health effect[3].

Mercury in the environment and the solutions considered

The most important source of mercury to which the population not working in the industrial sector is exposed comes from dental amalgam. This was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991. According to various studies, the mercury contained in a dental amalgam restoration would exceed the limit recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an adult for 100 years. In addition, toxicologists have reportedly stated that the minimum quantity of mercury that does not cause any health damage is unknown to date.

In 2009, a WHO expert committee suggested the phasing out of dental amalgam through various strategies, including research and development of beneficial alternatives, the introduction of biocompatible materials, training of oral health professionals and public education.