01 | 30 | 2008 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Amalgam Tooth Fillings Containing Mercury Pose No Developmental Threat to Children: New Study

Silvery dental fillings containing mercury have no effect on children's brain development or neurological status, according to a team of international researchers whose report will appear in the February edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association, according to an American Dental Association press release.

In addition to elemental mercury, amalgam fillings also contain silver, copper, tin and zinc -- a mixure designed to protect teeth from further decay.  Resin-based composit fillings are an alternative to the amalgam alloy, though they are not an appropriate substitute for amalgam fillings in all instances. 

Beginning in 1997, the researchers involved in compiling this latest report studied 507 Portuguese children between 8 and 12 years of age --children who received either amalgam or resin dental fillings during routine dental visits -- and followed them closely for 7 years.  Scientists conducted multiple, routine neurological examinations to assess for dysfunction that was likely to be caused by developmental delays, rather than structural brain damage.  After 7 years no neurological differences between the two groups were discernible. 

Study data indicates that in general, mercury fillings are not associated with developmental delays.  Authors of the study caution that this does not mean individual children could not be adversely affected by mercury fillings, but that no such individual cases turned up in this experiment. 

Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

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