Check your mouth for metal!

When I began my holistic health journey, I discovered the harmful effects heavy metals can have on the body, with elements like cadmium, mercury, and lead being particularly damaging. The list of health issues that can result from a buildup of these metals is extensive. One of the most common sources of chronic mercury exposure comes from amalgam fillings, a blend of mercury, silver, tin, and copper, with mercury making up about half of the mixture. In 2017, I had two amalgam fillings and a root canal filled with amalgam placed in my mouth. I knew I had to make a change, so in 2023, I underwent extensive dental work to replace all of my amalgam fillings.

If you do a bit of research online, you'll come across claims that when mercury is in amalgam form, it's inert and doesn't release into the body. This, however, isn’t true. A quick search on YouTube will show you videos demonstrating that every time you eat, drink, grind your teeth, or brush them, mercury vapors are being released into your body—24/7, 365 days a year. This is a serious concern. Chronic low-level mercury exposure has been linked to nearly every medical issue imaginable, and it’s also the most toxic substance known to the human body, second only to radioactive material. In short, not something you want in your mouth.

Of course, some people argue that they’ve had amalgam fillings for years and are fine. While that may be true for them, I believe that we all have different capacities to process toxins. Some people may be able to efficiently eliminate the mercury they’re exposed to, while others cannot, causing it to accumulate in sensitive tissues. Many people who develop chronic illnesses may fall into the latter group—unable to keep up with the constant barrage of toxins in our modern world, which builds up over time and eventually leads to disease.

Before you rush to the dentist to have your amalgam fillings removed, there are two important things to keep in mind:

1. Most conventional dentists don't understand or believe in the harm that amalgam fillings can cause. It’s important to find a holistic dentist who advertises that they are amalgam-free and who understands the risks involved.

2. Your fillings need to be removed by a dentist who follows the SMART protocol. This enhanced safety protocol minimizes your exposure when the fillings are drilled out. Never have them removed without proper protection, as the process releases a significant amount of mercury vapor.

   
   

I am based in the UK, and I traveled to the Holistic Dental Centre in Farnham, where my amalgam fillings were removed by the principal dentist, Emma Davison, whom I highly recommend. You can find more information here: Holistic Dental Centre.

Becoming amalgam-free was the beginning of my health journey. It was a stressful and confusing time, trying to research and make sense of everything. While I didn’t experience a huge immediate improvement in my health after the removal, the psychological relief of knowing that I no longer had mercury constantly leeching into my body made all the effort worthwhile. I firmly believe that no single action will solve all your problems, but it’s the combination of all the small changes that, over time, truly make a difference.