Mercury is considered one of the most toxic materials in the world. Dental amalgam that contains mercury has been restricted or phased out in several European countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark since many years. In the European Union, the use of dental amalgam has been prohibited since January the first 2025, except where a dentist considers it strictly necessary for a patient’s specific medical needs. Earlier EU rules had already restricted its use for children under 15 and for pregnant or breastfeeding women, subject to a similar exception.
The UK has not adopted the same EU-wide prohibition and has continued with a phase-down approach.
Dental amalgam contains around 50% mercury by weight, along with other metals such as silver, tin and copper. It can release small amounts of mercury vapour, and exposure may temporarily increase when fillings are placed or removed. Also, when this metal mixture gets in contact with saliva, it can create electrical currents inside the mouth.
In this article, we will explore the main concerns surrounding mercury amalgam fillings. We will consider whether they could be contributing to health issues in some people. If you are new to here, welcome! I’m Elena, founder of Lemon Well Med, a holistic therapist and functional breathing instructor. My mission is to help people achieve better health and develop a healthier lifestyle through holistic practices.
By the end of this article, you will have a clearer understanding of the concerns around mercury exposure and galvanic currents, what research has investigated, and what you can do if you are worried about your fillings.
- A bit of history
- Mercury poisoning
- Galvanic currents
- Finding mercury inside the body
- Removing dental amalgams
- What to do if you are concerned for your mercury amalgam
- What Lemon Well Med can do for you
A bit of history
The first mercury amalgam was formulated during the 1800s in France. It contained small amounts of mercury, but it required heat to bind all the metals together. Over time, new formulations were developed that made amalgam easier to prepare and use in dental treatments. The amount of mercury in these new formulations was higher.
During the 1830s, mercury amalgam was first introduced in the United States, but American dentists did not like this new product. They recognised the mercury’s toxicity and possible negative effects on the human body. When the American Society of Dental Surgeons was founded in 1840, its members were required to sign a pledge never to use mercuWhry amalgam because of its toxicity. But after just five years, the pledge was abandoned, and in 1856, the Society was dissolved because of a controversy over the use of amalgam.
Amalgam fillings were an opportunity to make a profit – they were cheap and easier to use than gold. The American Dental Association (ADA), founded in 1859, did not take a stand on the mercury amalgam issue, and with time, amalgam increased in popularity. At the end of the century, the ADA was openly supporting the use of amalgam.
To this day there are many papers that investigate mercury amalgam. Doubts about its safety arose as early as the 1920s, when the German chemist Alfred Stock removed his mercury fillings, believing that they were the cause for his poor health.
Mercury poisoning
Mercury is a recognised toxic substance, but the potential effect of exposure depends on factors such as its chemical form, dose, route and duration. In dental amalgam, the main concerns are the following:
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exposure to elemental mercury vapour
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release of mercury, due to corrosion or oxidation of the metals in the filling.
Mercury exposure at sufficiently high levels can affect the nervous system and other parts of the body. Symptoms discussed in connection with mercury toxicity can include tremors, difficulties with memory or concentration, mood changes, fatigue, and changes in vision or hearing. These symptoms can also occur for many other reasons, so they are not enough on their own to identify mercury exposure as the cause.
Some researchers have explored whether long-term exposure from dental amalgam could be relevant to people experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms. A 2014 review by Kern and colleagues considered published evidence relating amalgam to chronic illness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. It also discussed reports in which people experienced symptom improvement after fillings were removed. These reports are of interest, although they do not by themselves establish that amalgam was the cause or that removal will help everyone.
Galvanic currents
When different metals are present in the mouth, saliva can allow small electrochemical currents to occur between them. These are often referred to as galvanic currents. Some people report oral discomfort or a metallic taste when they have multiple metal restorations, and it may be worth discussing these experiences with a holistic or biological dentist.
Finding mercury inside the body
Mercury may be found in the body’s organs. Autopsy studies have reported mercury deposits in the brain, thyroid and kidneys, with some of the highest concentrations observed in these tissues. Research has also found a relationship between the number of dental amalgam fillings and mercury levels in the body.
Removing dental amalgams
A holistic dentist may advise replacement if the filling is damaged, there is decay, or another clinical reason makes treatment appropriate. The decision should take account of the condition of the tooth and the possible benefits and risks of removal. If replacement is appropriate, your holistic dentist can discuss suitable alternatives, such as metal-free white material.
You may come across protocols such as SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique), which describe precautions intended to reduce mercury exposure during amalgam removal. Since practices and recommendations can vary, you shoukd ask your holistic dentist what precautions they use, what the procedure involves, and how they will protect you and the dental team.
What to do if you are concerned for your mercury amalgam
If you have mercury dental amalgam in your mouth and you are worried, you should book an appointment with a holistic or biological dentist to check the condition of your fillings and discuss any concerns or symptoms.
Before deciding to remove a filling, discuss the dental reason for doing so, the potential risks and benefits, and the available replacement materials.
What Lemon Well Med can do for you
At Lemon Well Med, we believe people should have clear information and the opportunity to ask questions about their wellbeing.
Research into dental amalgam and mercury exposure includes different types of evidence and differing interpretations. Our Wegamed Test Expert Plus and Check Medical Elite wellness devices may provide additional information to support a broader wellbeing conversation and help identify areas that may warrant further discussion with a qualified healthcare professional.
We do not diagnose mercury toxicity or establish that a dental filling is responsible for a health condition. Our services do not replace medical or dental advice.