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The FDA has advised ‘vulnerable’ groups – pregnant and lactating women; women trying to conceive; fetuses, infants and younger kids; those with neurological or kidney issues; and those allergic to mercury – to avoid dental amalgam. We take this advice very seriously. That’s why we consider mercury-free smiles as a priority!

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FDA advises “vulnerable groups” to avoid dental amalgam

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised certain “vulnerable and high-risk groups” to avoid getting dental amalgam fillings if possible due to the potentially harmful effects the mercury in these fillings may pose to their health.

In a recent statement, the FDA has updated its recommendations on dental amalgam and potential risks to certain individuals that may be posed by these mercury-containing fillings that are used to restore the missing structure and surfaces of decayed teeth.

The groups that the FDA has listed as facing greater risks for potential harmful health effects include:

Pregnant women and their developing fetuses
Women who are planning to become pregnant
Nursing women and their newborns and infants
Children, especially those younger than six years of age
People with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease
Those with impaired kidney functions
Those who are extremely sensitive or allergic to mercury or other components in dental amalgam.

Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and a powdered alloy comprising silver, tin and copper. The FDA has been reviewing and monitoring scientific publications and reports and conducting public discussions on the effects of dental amalgam and mercury vapor on patient health for over 20 years.

They now also recommend non-mercury alternatives like composite resins and glass ionomer cement fillings, especially for vulnerable populations. The FDA has made these recommendations after obtaining the views of healthcare professionals and public comments about dental amalgam and other metal implants and evaluating published literature.

If you are searching for natural, mercury-free dentistry in Yadkinville, North Carolina, make Virtue Dental Care your provider of choice!

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Mercury toxicity concerns drive the biological dentistry approach to care in NC

The cornerstone of biological dentistry is biocompatibility. The traditional model of dentistry has concerned itself more with the repair and the longevity of dental materials, rather than their biocompatibility. This term relates to the way materials used in dentistry interact with oral tissues; they should not contain substances that produce adverse side effects.

Biological dentists such as Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor believe the potential toxicity of materials used in common dental procedures should not be taken lightly.

The issue of biocompatibility arises most often as it relates to silver fillings. Millions of patients’ mouths contain these common fillings. Some patients have sensitivities to the metals used to make conventional fillings.

Virtue Dental Care places biocompatible, attractive, and durable porcelain fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns.

As a biological dentist, Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor is also a conservative dentist. Generally, a filling is preferred to an inlay or onlay and an inlay or onlay is preferred to a crown. The idea is to offer minimally invasive procedures tailored to each patient. These types of procedures preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible for the best outcome – the most natural appearance, function, and feel.

CALL OUR OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Virtue Dental Care Patients: (336) 679-2034 | New Patients: (336) 606-0040

Of course, wherever possible Virtue Dental Care wants to avoid the need for restorative procedures with good preventive care, such as consistent professional exams and cleanings, guidance on effective at-home care, and safe products as recommended by Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor. In turn, biological dentistry is about more than placing safe, non-metal dental materials for Yadkinville, NC area patients. It is also about broader techniques that acknowledge the relationship between oral health and the health of the rest of the body. It is no coincidence that patients with gum disease, for instance, have problems managing their diabetes or are more prone to respiratory infections.

To find out more about how biological dentistry can improve your quality of life, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor. Virtue Dental Care patients, call (336) 606-0040 and, new patients, call .

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