In the European Union, dental filling regulations have begun to take effect. Last year, the European Union adopted a regulation that banned amalgam use in children under the age of 15 years old, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Now, as of the 1st of July, 2018, this partial amalgam ban is being implemented.

Changes in the EU Since the Amalgam Ban

Thanks to the ban, we are already seeing some significant changes taking place within the European Union.

• First of all, there has been a large media presence regarding the banning of amalgam. Because of this media presence, the public is being informed of the truth behind their “Silver Fillings”. Awareness has been raised regarding the Mercury that is contained within their dental work.
• The government is guiding dentists in the risks of amalgam use. Specifically, the government is informing dentists to avoid amalgam use in the most vulnerable of people groups.
• Finally, the German government is already working on making significant changes and improvements to their national insurance programs in order to accommodate the increased use in Mercury-Free Fillings.

Global Impacts Alongside the Ban of Mercury Fillings

Since the European Union has set an example and precedent for lowering the usage of Amalgam Fillings, we have seen a significant impact on a global scale.

• Already, there has been a co-sponsored workshop by the “United Nations Environment-World Alliance” for Mercury-Free Dentistry. This co-op was specifically gathered and dedicated to discussing the end of amalgam use in “women, children, and for future generations.”
• The “Consumers for Dental Choice” team continues to make a worldwide push to end amalgam use in all children. Beginning a ban on amalgam use in children worldwide would be the first step towards ending the use of amalgam in all dental patients globally.
• There have been more than 50 organizations that have signed “The Chicago Declaration to End Dental Industry Mercury Use”. This Declaration calls on the United States to, alongside additional action steps, match the European Union ban by ending amalgam use in children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers in 2018. This precautionary principle will guide the future health of Americans.

More Work to Be Done

However, alongside all of this progress, there is one entity that has not budged to make any regulations on this heavy metal neurotoxin. That entity is the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). Because of the inaction of the U.S. governing bodies, there are no regulations, nor safety warnings and guidelines, on amalgam use in dental fillings. Therefore, while governments around the world continue to move forward in dental practice safety guidelines, the United States continues to fall behind. We believe that American children absolutely deserve the same protection from Mercury Fillings that European children now receive.

Alongside all of the other work that’s continued to work towards banning Mercury Fillings in American dental practice, a petition has been created that the general public can sign to seek change. This petition calls upon the USFDA to take a stand and finally ban the use of Amalgam fillings in children, just like the European Union has!

Safe, Holistic, and Comprehensive Dental Care

Here at Nashville Restorative Dentistry, we support the use of clean and safe dental materials. All of our filling procedures are completed using modern, white fillings. These fillings, Composite Resin Fillings, not only beautifully match the color of your teeth, but they are also made with a much safer material. Unlike the Mercury found in amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings help to strengthen and seal the tooth, while not staining the teeth or gums. They also will not expand, which is a problem seen in many amalgam fillings. These expansions can cause the tooth to fracture. You won’t experience these troubles with tooth-colored composite resin fillings.

We are fully invested in each and every single one of our patients. We always take into consideration the cause-and-effect relationship that occurs between oral health and the health of the rest of the body. All of the materials that we use are completely safe and non-toxic. We are a fully Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe, Metal-Free dentistry practice.

If you’re interested in learning more about our holistic practice, please visit our Holistic Dentistry page or contact us today with further questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

We are equipped to handle the majority of your dental needs

We understand the importance of having a dentist you can trust. And that means not being sent off to a different specialist every time you need a new procedure. At Nashville Restorative Dentistry, we are equipped to handle the majority of your dental needs from cosmetic to restorative, implants to extractions. When you come to us, you are getting a dental team for life.

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