Toxic Materials: 4 Signs They’re Impacting Your Oral Health

Toxic Materials: 4 Signs They’re Impacting Your Oral Health

Despite the existence of alternatives to toxic dental materials, mercury-based materials are still a popular choice within the dental industry. Many dental professionals continue to use these toxic materials due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. 

You will find mercury in silver fillings, known as amalgam fillings. These have been known to have adverse effects on patients, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and fetuses. 

Mercury exposure has been linked to critical conditions, including infertility, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, severe migraines, and Multiple Sclerosis, along with cardiac and respiratory issues. So, knowing if you have mercury exposure is important. 

Here are some signs that toxic materials could be impacting your overall health. 

1. InsomniaPhoto by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@a_d_s_w?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Adrian Swancar</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

Amongst other metals, mercury can circulate throughout the body, gathering in the brain, kidneys, heart, liver, and bones. When toxic metals exist, you might experience inflammation and stress. Both symptoms can additionally trigger neurological issues like insomnia, which could be the reason why you have trouble sleeping at night. 

2. Anxiety and Depression 

Evidence suggests that mercury can cause mood swings, memory issues, and anxiety. This neurological damage could potentially be a permanent condition for younger people. Mercury exposure has also been linked to feelings of suicide and depression. This toxic material damages the neurons in the brain, which stops the patient from receiving neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. 

3. Chronic Fatigue 

Toxic materials like mercury also contribute to chronic fatigue. So if you suffer from fatigue, vertigo, memory loss, lack of stamina, and body aches, this could be a side effect of mercury exposure. 

4. Migraines and Severe Headaches

Severe headaches and migraines are debilitating. And if you suffer from them regularly, they could be a sign of mercury toxicity. There has been evidence to suggest a correlation between this toxic material and migraines because it impacts the function of the brain and nervous system.

Solutions To Toxic Materials in Oral Health 

We recommend speaking to your dentist or doctor about your symptoms to determine whether mercury toxicity could be the cause of your symptoms. The good news is that mercury poisoning can be treated. Alternatively, if you need new fillings but don’t want to risk exposure to toxic materials, then holistic dentists can offer a safe, non-toxic treatment. 

Here at Kozlow and Rowell, we can remove old amalgam fillings and swap them out for composite fillings. We recommend metal-free materials for replacement fillings, which are usually tooth-colored for a natural appearance. 

Find Out More

If you’re concerned about toxic material exposure and your oral health, then speak to Kozlow and Rowell today so we can discuss your treatment options, whether you need a filling replacement or restoration of new cavities. Book an appointment with us today.