Dental Mercury Poses Health Risk To Pregnant Women And Children, Admits FDA

Following the settlement of a lawsuit earlier this week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its consumer advice on mercury amalgam to say that it poses health risks to pregnant women, children, and the unborn.

The update now states that,”Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetus.

Thus, pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.

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Pregnancies Linked To Tooth Loss

According to a nationwide study of 2,635 women by Dr. Stefanie Russell, an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology & Health Promotion, women who have more children are more likely to have missing teeth.

Profound biological and behavioral changes related to pregnancy and child birth are likely to be a factor in tooth loss, according to Dr. Russell. For example:
* Pregnancy can make women prone to gingivitis (gum inflammation). Repeated pregnancies are likely to result in more frequent outbreaks of gingivitis that may lead to tooth loss in women with periodontitis.
* A woman may postpone seeking dental treatment because of financial concerns related to having children.
* Caring for more children may lead a mother to cut back on the time she devotes to her own oral health.

Although further research is needed on the specific reasons for the link between pregnancy and tooth loss, it is clear that women with multiple children need to be especially vigilant about their oral health

Source:www.Sciencedaily.com