The Dental Connection to Illness and Aging
By Dr. Michael Galitzer M.D.
The mercury amalgam issue is a major health issue in the United States. It is about to explode in the media and thus the public awareness. More people in this country have mercury fillings than smoke cigarettes. The fillings that most of us had put into our teeth when we were kids contain 50% silver and 50% mercury. Over time, these fillings leak, causing mercury to be absorbed into the tissues of the body. The body is not able to get rid of mercury, and thus the mercury is stored in various tissues of the body. It interferes with many cellular enzyme systems, and also behaves as an estrogen within the body, thereby contributing to the increased estrogen levels that are frequently seen in patients with breast and prostate cancers. Mercury has an affinity for the kidneys, brain, and endocrine glands such as the pituitary and thyroid. The EPA rates mercury as the 3rd most dangerous toxin after lead and arsenic. It is no co-incidence that dentists have the highest rate of pre-mature death, divorce, and suicide among the professions. The most dramatic result that I have ever seen regarding a patient of mine was a 40 year old lady with lupus, who was confined to a wheel chair. Upon replacement of her last mercury fillings, she immediately got out of her wheel chair never to use it again.
There are scientific ways to prove that mercury toxicity is present. DMPS 250 mg is given intra-venously, and then urine is collected for 24 hours and sent to a lab for analysis. A high level of mercury in the urine is diagnostic of mercury toxicity.
After the fillings are replaced, the patient should have monthly DMPS injections for about 5 months to rid the body of residual mercury. We can also use DMSA 500 mg at bedtime 3 days/week for 5-6 weeks to promote mercury excretion.
It is best to give the DMSA with an herb or homeopathic that cleanses the kidneys. I have created several new formulas to stimulate excretion of toxins through the liver, kidney, and lymphatic systems. These formulas are called drainage formulas and are Herbal. They are available through our on-line store.
Mercury poses a clear and present danger to health and longevity. It doesn't belong in your teeth, and getting your fillings replaced with gold, porcelain, or composite materials will add many, many quality years to your life. Other substances that help reduce mercury toxicity include cilantro, garlic, chlorella, selenium, and Vitamin C.