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Archives for January 2014

The Mercury Filling Debate

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A recent article on the Dr. Oz show website discussed in depth the growing debate about mercury in fillings. The article stated that 72% of people surveyed didn’t even realize there was mercury in silver (amalgam) fillings.

As more people are coming to realize there is a potent neurotoxin in their fillings, they are voicing concern. Some are demanding they be replaced.

The big question remains–are you unsafe with amalgam fillings?

The answer varies depending on whom you speak with. In fact, even nations are in disagreement. Norway, Denmark, and Sweden have all banned the use of mercury in fillings. Norway and Denmark because of environmental concerns. Sweden because of negative impact on human health. However, in the United States the FDA has seen no causation in mercury in fillings negatively impacting human health. They have found a correlation, but correlation and causation are treated differently. The ADA’s stance is that amalgam fillings are safe.

If you are uncomfortable with mercury in fillings, your safest course is to find a mercury-free dentist. They are generally equipped to perform a sanitary amalgam removal.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Gagging in children

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I’ve started my toddler on some table food. I usually nurse until they are a year old. It’s never been an issue before, but this child keeps gagging on the food no matter how small I cut it.  Do you thing there is something wrong?

Gina D. – Pennsylvania

Gina,

Some children just have a strong gag reflex.  If you go to softer foods for a while and then work your way up to some more difficult it may solve the problem.

That being said, it is probably a good idea to check if your child has something called tongue tie or ankyloglossia. This simply means that there tongue is restricted in their movements. You can have your pediatric dentist check, or there are some other symptoms you can look out for:

  •  Difficulty sticking the tongue past the lower front teeth
  • Difficulty lifting the tongue either side to side or to the roof of the mouth
  • Almost always the tongue will be heart-shaped when sticking out.

This can be fixed with a simple surgical procedure.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.