Is TMJD Caused by Amalgam Fillings
Mercury Toxicity May Cause TMJD Among Many Other Health Problems
Jun 20, 2009
Is there a link between amalgam (dental "silver" fillings) and TMJ Disorder? The possibility is there.
While not everyone who has TMJ Disorder has amalgam fillings, many people do, so amalgam fillings cannot bear the total blame for all cases of TMJ Disorder. It has already been established that facial/jaw injuries account for many cases of TMJD. Grinding and clenching account for almost all of the other cases of TMJ Disorder, but is it possible that grinding and clenching are caused by the toxins in one's mouth?
Mercury is Toxic
Despite the fact that most people refer to amalgam fillings as "silver" fillings, the fact is that one of the main ingredients of amalgam is mercury, which is one of the most toxic substances known to man. There have been many studies showing the deleterious effects of mercury on people, yet fillings containing mercury have been permitted in people's mouths in this country. Small amounts of mercury may be leaked, through sensitive, delicate tissue in the mouth, or through swallowing, into one's system. It is known that mercury affects the nervous system. It seems possible that this continuous attack on one's nervous system could result in stress to the body. It is well known that stress is a major contributor and/or result of TMJ Disorder.
According to Dr. Nicholas Meyer, a study performed at the University of Kentucky endeavored to analyze how much mercury is emitted into one's mouth from amalgam fillings. The results clearly demonstrated that , "...4.5 micrograms per centimeter square per day were released from a standard filling. Depending on the reference from the literature, this is anywhere from 100 to 1,000 times greater than what the American Dental Associate's position is. Brushing one's teeth gave an instantaneous 10-fold increase in the amount of mercury released" (Mercury in amalgam, AzNetNews, vol. 28, number 3).
Many dentists are now opting not to use amalgams on their patients. Unfortunately, there are those who will argue that amalgam fillings are safe, and they will repeat studies done on sheep who had teeth filled. Sheep exert 500 times more pressure on their teeth when they chew, yet they showed no sign of mercury toxins. Sheep, however, do not eat the variety of foods that people eat, nor do they place items in their mouths which could stimulate the mercury to release vapors.
People are continuously forewarned not to consume many species of fish because of the levels of mercury in them, yet mercury is placed in people's mouths!
Amalgam fillings are not allowed in many European countries, and dentists there will lose their license if they use amalgams in a patient's mouth.
Removing Amalgam Fillings
An increasing number of people are opting to have their amalgams removed and replaced by fillings composed of other, nontoxic, material. Will this solve one's TMJ Disorder though? This is not certain since no studies, to date, have been done on this. It may certainly improve one's health, however, although one must remember that mercury does not readily leave one's body, but "stockpiles" in one's liver, kidneys and brain. The mercury that does leave the body may be contributing to the poisonous waters on our planet as it is flushed down the toilet.
Each person must ultimately decide for himself/herself on this issue. Many people who have their amalgams replaced with other dental materials express an overall improved state of well-being. It is important, however, in considering the causes of one's TMJ Disorder, that one might give the use of amalgams strong consideration as a possible source of bodily stress that can exacerbate or cause TMJD, despite the current lack of scientific studies on amalgam and TMJD.
It is vital, when dealing with TMJ Disorder, that one proceed cautiously and not make rash decisions that may have permanent, devastating consequences. Removing amalgams is not a procedure that should cause irreversible damage, but rather may contribute to one's health and well being. However, it may be expensive and dental insurance will not cover the entire cost.
Softer Diet Effective
Whether one opts to have one's amalgams removed or not, however, much can be done for the pain of TMJD by changing to a softer diet. You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes offers practical advice for dealing with many TMJD issues, as well as a plethora of easy-to-cook, easy-to-chew recipes.
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