Your Toxic Teeth

-A Book Review: Part I, by Charles E. Warlick, Jr., D.D.S.-

In October, 2000, Murray Vimy, D.M.D., issued the fourth edition of his book called Your Toxic Teeth. Dr. Vimy is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Calgary. He was a featured guest on a CBS News 60 Minutes documentary entitled, Is There a Poison in Your Mouth?" He also has appeared on a similar program for the British Broadcasting Service. Dr. Vimy's book attempts to place the issue of dental "silver" fillings under the microscope of medical science and to give readers reliable information on the care of their teeth.

Dr. Vimy says that the term "silver filling" is misleading. In fact, he says "a silver filling contains 50% pure mercury, the same toxic mercury found in thermometers." He estimates that a typical filling contains nearly a thousand milligrams of this “toxic mercury”. He claims that it is impossible to have a stable mercury filling that does not break down. He explains that research has shown that mercury fillings release mercury vapor and mercury-containing particles into your mouth all day long.

Dr. Vimy notes that the Environmental Protection Agency defines scrap mercury filling material as a biohazard waste. As such, the law requires that it be sealed in a leak-proof, fluid-filled container and removed from the dental office by a licensed hazard control expert. Yet, he observes, the dental profession considers this material to be absolutely safe in your mouth.

Dr. Vimy cites dozens of references in his book to support his concern over mercury fillings. He quotes an animal study that demonstrates that mercury coming from dental fillings can be found in all tissues after only 30 days of chewing. Of particular concern, he says that the latest medical research shows that mercury from "silver" fillings accumulates in the kidneys and liver. Experiments with animals show that kidney function can be reduced after dental filling placement. He further says that science implicates inorganic mercury in the biochemical pathology of certain brain and nervous system disorders, including Alzheimer's and memory disorders.

Dr. Vimy says that mercury exposure can cause a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms and is thus known as the "great masquerader". Physicians can have a difficult time arriving at a correct diagnosis of mercury-induced illnesses since the symptoms are so similar to other medical conditions. Dr. Vimy notes that mercury exposure has not been identified as the sole cause of any specific medical illness, except for mercury poisoning. Each of us is biochemically different, making us more or less susceptible to even low levels of mercury exposure. Still, he lists the following as possible symptoms of mercury exposure: bleeding gums, loose teeth, white patches in the mouth, gastrointestinal problems, chronic headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, respiratory problems, kidney problems, muscle weakness, joint pain, chronic fatigue, skin sores, swollen lymph nodes, and loss of weight. While this list is long, he points out that it is faulty logic to assume that all diseases are caused by mercury exposure.

Part 2 of this book review will discuss Dr. Vimy's views on alternatives to mercury fillings, precautions against mixing metals in the mouth, and chemically sensitive patients. Dr. Vimy's book can be purchased through the Family Dental Center.

Dr. Warlick has been practicing dentistry in Wimberley since 1979. He practices dentistry at the Family Dental Center, providing children and adults with full service dentistry. The Family Dental Center is located in Wimberley, Texas at 14305 North Ranch Road 12 - (512) 847-3556.

c: Hill Country News -Your Toxic Teeth – Part 3