Almost ten years ago, a group of the world's top mercury researchers announced that mercury from amalgam fillings can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and immune system of children. Despite that discovery, many children today are still given mercury fillings by their unsuspecting parents who have not been warned about these dangers. Often dentists will assume that because the teeth may fall out in a few years, that there is no danger.

Also, women who have mercury fillings in their teeth may jeopardize the health of their unborn or nursing child. Mercury poisoning is very easily passed through the blood to the child either through the uterus or breast milk.

Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, a biocompatible dentist, warns his patients of this risk and never uses silver (mercury) amalgam for fillings. He is especially concerned for the young babies of women who have old mercury fillings existing in their mouth. ?I want women to understand how at risk an unborn or nursing child is, if the destructive mercury is released from amalgam (silver) fillings. If you are thinking of pregnancy, I urge you to replace your mercury with a biocompatible material. If planned properly, your dentist can remove and replace numerous fillings in one or two appointments. But no, pregnant and lactating women should not have amalgam fillings removed.?

He continues, ?Mercury vapor is continuously emitted from dental fillings and accumulates in the body over time. The damaging effects of this exposure may not manifest for years or even decades. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that even low levels of mercury cause measurable adverse health effects. Mercury in the tissues of a fetus or infant correlates significantly with the number of dental amalgam fillings in the mother. Newborns may be at risk for learning disabilities because of mercury their mothers absorbed during pregnancy. Many physicians are testing their patients for mercury toxicity and referring them to biocompatible dentists. Across scientific disciplines, health professionals are realizing that mercury may adversely impact patient health.?

MAMA is a national organization ? Moms Against Mercury Amalgams, that is enlightening mothers and mothers-to-be about the hazardous use of mercury in dental care. The website mercuryfreenow.com offers great insight for women and their families.

Dr. Maddahi continues, ?There are very safe, and thorough methods to remove mercury fillings that are used by a knowledgeable office such as ours. To prevent additional mercury exposure, find a biocompatible dentist properly trained in mercury filling removal. We ensure that an efficient suction system in the oral cavity is used with a special tip or its equivalent to contain amalgam particles and mercury vapor and that it is operating a vacuum system at maximum efficiency. We always apply copious amounts of water to the filling during removal while we remove the amalgam in large segments to minimize the generation of mercury vapor and amalgam particulate. We have also made sure that the patient and dental staff are provided with a mercury-free source of air.?

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.