Your Toxic Teeth –Part 2

by Charles E. Warlick, Jr., D.D.S.

This article is Part 2 of a book review of Your Toxic Teeth, written by Murray Vimy, D.M.D. Dr. Vimy is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Calgary and is a featured guest on many news and current affairs programs regarding proper care of teeth.

Part 1 of the book review covered Dr. Vimy’s concerns about mercury fillings. He quoted medical research showing that “silver” fillings can release mercury-containing particles and mercury vapor into your mouth all day long.

Dr. Vimy discusses other materials which can be used as an alternative to mercury, such as gold, non-precious metal alloys, titanium metal alloy, porcelain, and ceramic-resins (often referred to as composites). As he points out, each of these has advantages and disadvantages, but in general he likes the composite restorations.

Dr. Vimy cautions against mixing metals in the mouth such as gold and mercury. He says that serious problems can result because dissimilar metals form an electrical link to each other through saliva. For example, gold will attract electrons from the components of mercury fillings, causing corrosion. Second, the electrical currents produced can have serious effects on mouth tissue such as blistering, burning mouth, and bleeding gums.

The need for biocompatible restorative materials is especially important for chemically sensitive patients. Dr. Vimy notes that metal in the human body usually is not tolerated very well, particularly among those who are genetically compromised. When the body encounters a toxic or noxious substance, the immune system generally produces a defense against it. It is this defensive mechanism that can lead to allergic reactions, fever, headaches, or difficulty in breathing. In some people, mercury is known to induce an immunological reaction, which in medicine is known as autoimmunity. In this situation your immune system becomes confused and proceeds to destroy your otherwise healthy tissue.

Dr. Vimy is pleased that nations such as Sweden and Germany are recommending that certain mercury compounds not be used in individuals with kidney disease, in children under age six, or in pregnant women. His book provides his recommended protocol for replacement of “silver” fillings with alternative dental materials. It can be purchased through the Family Dental Center.

Dr. Warlick has been practicing full service dentistry in Wimberley since 1979 at the Family Dental Center located at 14305 North Ranch Road 12 – 847-3556.

C: Hill Country News – Your Toxic Teeth – 2