3 Benefits Of Mercury-Free Fillings
People who have had silver fillings placed in their teeth due to cavities may not realize that the fillings contain mercury. In fact, a silver filling is made up of 50% mercury. This has many people with these types of fillings very concerned. If you are one of them, here are three benefits of getting mercury-free fillings.
1. They Are Better for Your Health
Mercury is a natural element that According to the World Health Organization (WHO), can be toxic to the body. It can be especially harmful to the following parts of the body:
- Digestive system
- Nervous system
- Immune system
- Kidneys
- Lungs
Due to the potential damage mercury can cause, many of those who are concerned about its negative effects on the body are trying to reduce the numbers of products that get made with mercury. This includes amalgam, which is another name for a tooth filling.
Even though the FDA has stated that fillings made with mercury are safe for adults and children over the age of six, some people aren't willing to take any chances and are opting for mercury-free fillings.
2. They Look Better Than Silver Fillings
If you have ever felt self-conscious of the silver fillings in your mouth, this is a great reason to get mercury-free ones. Fillings that don't contain mercury look more like your natural tooth, which means you won't even notice them, and neither will anyone else.
Natural-colored mercury-free fillings are even more beneficial for teeth that are near the front of your mouth. Some of the most common types of mercury-free fillings include:
- Composite fillings
- Glass Ionomers
- Ceramic fillings
A general dentist can help you figure out the type of mercury-free filling that will best suit your needs.
3. They Aren't As Sensitive
Did you know that one out of eight people say they have sensitive teeth? People who have tooth sensitivity usually feel pain in their mouth, or their toothaches, after drinking or eating something that is hot or cold. If you have tooth sensitivity, silver fillings with mercury can actually worsen the sensitivity.
Because mercury-free fillings are not made of metal, it means they don't conduct any heat. Another reason nonmetal mercury-free fillings are less sensitive is that they don't quickly contract or expand, which reduces the chances of micro-fractures from occurring.
If you want to get your silver fillings replaced with mercury-free ones, doing so will enable you to be healthier, have aesthetically-pleasing teeth, and decrease your tooth sensitivity. For more information, contact a company like Millennium Smiles.
Share
