The Link Between Heavy Metals in Your Mouth and Eczema, Allergies and Asthma
By Diane Meyer B.S., D.D.S. (bio below)
In the Dental field, various metals are implemented to create different types of restorations. Unfortunately, not all of these restorative metals will be the best fit for you. In fact, some of these metals may elicit adverse health effects including allergic reactions. Auspiciously, there are options for dealing with these metals after exposure, but it is advantageous to learn how to avoid these allergens altogether.
Mercury
The most toxic of these metals is mercury, which is found in “Silver fillings.” A 2006 study confirmed that the mercury in the dental amalgam (i.e. Silver fillings) of pregnant woman can travel to the fetus and still be present in newborns. The mercury from the mother’s amalgam fillings during pregnancy was identified as the chief cause of atopic eczema. The study also confirmed that the newborn’s eczema disappeared after the infants underwent mercury detoxification (1,2) . Another article published in 2003 found that lichenoid bodies (similar to eczema) disappeared in all patients after their amalgam fillings were removed (3).
Nickel
One other irritant commonly used in dentistry is Nickel, which can be found in stainless steel crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and porcelain fused to metal crowns. Interestingly, one of the side effects of contact exposure with Nickel is eczema and according to the agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, Nickel can cause rashes far from the original point of contact. Additionally, Nickel is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory irritation that can produce symptoms of Asthma (4) .
Testing For & Removing Heavy Metals
It is clear that both Mercury and Nickel can cause harm to the immune system. Thus, it is important to check any dental materials that are going to be placed into your or your child’s body. It is only when you have all the information available that you can begin to make an educated decision.
At this point, you’re probably wondering “what can I do?” First, finding out which metals you are sensitive/allergic to is paramount. This can be done via a few routes; one route is called the BIOCOMP test which is accomplished through a lab. Another, less invasive, route is called Biofeedback. After you have your results, you must then avoid these materials as best you can. Last, if the situation calls for it, have the metal(s) removed by a Holistic Dentist who is appropriately trained in protecting the individual during the removal process. If the proper safety protocols are not followed during the removal process, an acute exposure can occur which may negatively impact your health.
Chelation can be used if an individual is already toxic and interested in removing the metals from his or her body; however, it is imperative that this is done by a qualified M.D. Another simpler and more cost-effective method to remove Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, and Aluminum is with a product called Adya Clarity Ionic Minerals.
A recent study revealed that drinking half your body weight in ounces of the mineral water (1 tsp of Adya for every gallon of water) over a 90 day period significantly decreases the body’s burden of these metals (5).
Dentistry implements many different metals in dental restorations and a number of them have been linked to various allergies. Hence, it is critical to be as well informed as possible before any materials are placed into the body. Thankfully, there are a number of options if you already have a heavy metal load, but it is best to avoid exposure in the first place and subsequently, potentially avoiding allergies altogether.
References:
- W. Wortberg: Intrauterine Damage of the Fetus by Heavy Metal Burdens of the Mother. Unwelt Medizin Gesellschaft 2006, Volume 19, issue 4, pp. 274-280
- Find out What Role Heavy Metals Have in Eczema. Retrieved March 31, 2015
- A. Dunsche: Oral lichenoid reactions associated with amalgam: improvement after amalgam removal. British Journal of Dermatology, January 2003, Volume 148, Issue 1.
- Toxicological Guide for Nickel and Mercury from the US Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry. Retrieved February 23, 2015
- Melonie Montgomery Ph.D., VP of Research. October 2014, Fenestra Research Lab. Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Product: Adya Clarity.
Bio: Dr. Meyer has been extensively trained in the mouth and body connection. Her entire working career of 38 years has been in the dental field in one capacity or another. She believes that an individual cannot experience the best overall health without addressing the body’s basic nutritional needs. She utilizes medical practitioners and other health-care providers along with her own knowledge to reach this goal. Additionally, Dr. Meyer is Mercury safe, which is a stricter protocol than Mercury free. She has hosted and spoken at many Holistic venues and has also published a book called Pick Your Poisons.
FROM: Allergies, Asthma, Contributors, Eczema