MIAMI BEACH, FL, May 03, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A recent segment of the famous Dr. Oz show took on the controversial issue of the safety of amalgam fillings and put it to the test -literally. Dr. Oz set up a studio experiment with a device measuring mercury exposure levels, while simulating teeth brushing on amalgam fillings. The experiment clearly showed that simple brushing released significant toxic vapors, drastically exceeding safety limits.
Amalgam fillings have been somewhat phased out in recent years, but the American Dental association maintains that "dental amalgam is considered a safe, affordable and durable material that has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans and has established a record of safety and effectiveness."
In fact 47% of dentists in the US are still using amalgam fillings today.
However, countless organizations, such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicity, have shown staggering evidence to the contrary, including neurological damage and harm to a developing fetus. Ironically pregnant women are advised to limit their intake of fish high in mercury, but are not warned that Amalgam fillings might be harmful, considering that they consist of 50% mercury. Mercury is considered a neurotoxin linked to heart disease, Alzheimers, Multiple Sclerosis, kidney disease and a variety of nervous system disorders.
By now many are convinced that amalgam filling should be removed, but what about the dangers of removing a toxic substance and releasing its vapors? Is that safe? Dr. Oz points out that taking them out will expose you to high levels of mercury. So what is the solution? Leave them in and further expose yourself to toxins or take them out and risk an even higher load of exposure?
Bio Dentist Dr. Hank Barreto has dealt with this questions and has devised a protocol to work around this challenge. He has spent years fine-tuning a technique that will ensure minimal exposure during the removal process.
"First you need to understand that mercury is toxic.
Each time you touch a mercury filling you evaporate the filling and release the mercury vapors. It's like tooth brushing 100 times."
Dr Barreto, who practices biodentistry in Miami Florida, explains that these vapors increase, as the fillings get older and corrode.
Additionally, teeth grinding, carbonated sodas and even plain brushing and chewing will eventually lower the PH level, even further accelerating the vapor release.
But According to Dr. Barreto there is much that can be done to limit the exposure and safely remove these fillings. Over the years he educated himself and devised a special system to protect the patient.
"Because you can not help releasing vapors as the fillings are removed, there should be an external breathing source. We use an oxygen mask, so the patient does not breath from the mouth inhaling these fumes.
Dr. Barreto also stresses that a special high-speed suction device as well as special ventilation in the room are a necessary precaution.
Additionally a rubber damn should be used when appropriate.
A special drill helps break the amalgam into big chunks, as opposed to small pieces. "He explains that the more it is pulverized, the more vapors are released.
He points out that silver mercury fillings contain electrical currents that react with each other in the moist, acid environment of the mouth.
They contain electrical charges, some negative and some positive, which can be measured with a special gage.
Removing them in an incorrect sequence can activate an immune response.
Dr. Barreto believes that everyone is sensitive to the effects of mercury. "I think genetics play a role on the level of sensitivity, and for some people just one filling can cause a huge responds. The concern I have is that once you' ve seen patients become mercury toxic and watch them recover after removing their fillings, you can' t go back to ignoring the numbers on the wall.
Every patient has the potential of being sick, so we take this precaution across the board. It is a preventative measure ensuring the safety and health of the patient."
Dr. Barreto practices holistic dentistry in Coral Gables Miami.
For more information visit www.Drhankbarreto.com or call 305-648-4998.
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