Jun 8, 2026
- Dental “silver fillings” are made with roughly 50% mercury, and researchers found adults with amalgam fillings carried significantly higher blood mercury levels than people without them
- The study showed that mercury exposure rose as the number of amalgam filling surfaces increased, meaning every additional filling added to the body’s toxic burden
- Mercury vapor released from fillings travels through the bloodstream, crosses into the brain and placenta, and accumulates inside tissues over time even when blood tests appear relatively normal
- Everyday habits such as chewing gum, grinding your teeth, and drinking very hot beverages increase mercury vapor release from amalgam fillings and raise ongoing exposure
- Choosing mercury-free dentistry, avoiding unsafe removal procedures, and supporting efforts to ban amalgam nationwide help reduce long-term mercury exposure for you and your family