Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, PhD, is warning against the use of dental amalgam for routine fillings.
Eight notes:
1. Dr. Ladapo made his recommendations based on the risks associated with mercury exposure, according to an Aug. 25 news release.
2. The surgeon general cited risks of DNA damage in blood cells, mercury deposits in human tissue and delays in neurodevelopment in children.
3. Dr. Ladapo advised that patients discuss alternative options for fillings with their providers, including composites, glass ionomer and crowns.
4. Dr. Ladapo also recommended against removing or replacing intact amalgam fillings unless medically necessary due to heightened risks during these processes.
5. Current guidance from the American Dental Association states that advocating for the removal of clinically serviceable dental amalgam restorations solely to substitute a material that does not contain mercury violates its Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.
6. The FDA lists the risks associated with dental amalgam, but points out that current evidence does not show a link between dental amalgams and adverse health effects in the general population. However, it may pose a greater risk to certain populations, including pregnant women, children and people with pre-existing neurological conditions.
7. The rate of amalgam restorations decreased from 21.8% in 2017 to 4.1% in 2023, a trend found to be consistent with calls to end the use of amalgam.
8. During the fourth Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2022, more than 130 nations agreed to an amendment requiring countries to protect vulnerable populations from dental amalgam use.
