Since mid-2018, the ban on the introduction of amalgam seals to pregnant women and children under the age of 16 has begun in the Czech Republic. This will be due to a European Commission regulation that has identified these seals as poisonous . Unlike the current situation , these companies will reimburse insurance companies for other variants of seals . In the future, there is a ban on the use of dental amalgam in all. What is actually happening and why are classic and long-time seals harmful?
Dental amalgam is a combination of metals, with 50% of this being mercury and the rest of other metals such as silver, copper or tin in varying proportions. The mixture then serves as a tooth filling after removing tooth decay. Amalgam was first created more than 150 years ago. At that time, of course, it was a dizzying discovery that had influenced dental medicine for a long time. However, at that time, of course, medicine was not at such a level, so it was simply impossible to find out how amalgam actually acts on the human organism. Currently, there are two kinds of amalgam fillings - Dosing and capsule. In the first case, the dentist prepares the seal himself in the office, the other is already prepared in the capsule. However, for both, the content of mercury is at least 50%.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the effect of amalgam, especially the release of mercury contained therein, is harmful to humans. It affects the human organism toxic, affecting mainly the nervous system, the digestive and immune system or the lungs. In individuals who are more susceptible to amalgam, poisoning can be caused by a number of symptoms. The most common are headaches, depression, nervousness or stomach upset. Speeches are striking and mostly chronic. Unfortunately, in many cases, the cause is very difficult to ascertain, the patient is misdiagnosed and is being treated incorrectly.
Especially children, pregnant women, sick and dental surgeries are at risk
Similar opinions are also piled by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), which regularly publishes materials related to the amalgam seals. In particular, it mentions the negative effects of mercury on the fetus, pregnant women, women of childbearing age, children, patients with health problems, and also dental surgeries who come into contact with mercury, most of all, when the old seals are drilled.
Mercury is released even in common processes such as chewing or drinking hot drinks
As has been said, amalgam consists of half of mercury and the rest is a combination of other metals. Although the seals seem very hard, they can eliminate dangerous vapors. This is due to the fact that chemical bonds between mercury and individual metals are not so strong and stable. Upon warming, weaker bonds are disconnected and toxic substances get into the body. This occurs especially when drinking hot drinks, chewing or brushing teeth. According to information published by the Czech Dental Chamber, the largest exposure to mercury in individuals with amalgam fillings occurs during the manufacture or removal of dental fillings.
It is worth mentioning that the information on the harmfulness of amalgam seals is not a complete novelty. For example, in 1991, the World Health Organization had already pointed out that amalgam represents a potentially serious source of mercury exposure. According to the research, amalgam was the main route of exposure to dangerous mercury in the entire population.
How is it in the Czech Republic?
In the Czech Republic, dental amalgam is still being used, especially because it is durable, it lasts long and it is quite unpretentious for the dentist. The main reason, however, is its price. This is the cheapest option to fill space after tooth decay. The only one is paid by health insurance companies, so the amalgam is placed in the mouth mainly for those who can not or do not want to pay for teeth care. From next year, the amalgam will stop introducing pregnant women and children.
... and how in the world?
Other countries have banned the amalgam long ago. Amalgam seals have not been applied since 2008 by dentists in Norway and since 2009 in Sweden. Significantly limited in Denmark, Estonia, Finland and Italy. Other countries then stop using amalgam in pregnant women, children and people with various illnesses.
An alternative to traditional seals is the so-called white seals. They are more expensive, but because of their color, they are also more aesthetically pleasing and teeth-friendly. But the main advantage is that they do not contain harmful mercury. The so-called composite resin or special cements are used for their production. Above is the current trend of ceramic fillings.
Source: tz, edited editorially