Researchers in Portugal and the U.S. followed 507 children who received silver fillings, called amalgams. After a seven year period, the children’s rates of neurological symptoms showed no difference when compared to those who received resin based fillings.

Why Silver Fillings Were Considered Dangerous

Silver fillings are made of a combination of metals including mercury. Over time small amounts of mercury vapor are released. With mercury poisoning being known to damage the central nervous system and kidneys, consumer groups have been against using silver fillings to treat cavities for years.

While the possibility of neurological symptoms including tremors, vision problems, hearing deficits and coordination problems have caused consumer groups, dentists and lawmakers to call for a ban on silver fillings, an advisory panel to the United States government recently said that silver fillings are generally safe and more studies are needed into certain unanswered questions. The American Dental Association continues to maintain that the fillings are safe and should be an option for patients.

Your Choice For Treating Fillings

While silver fillings may be the best choice for treating some common dental problems such as cavities located on molars, Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associates continue to use the latest techniques and new materials as they become available.

SOURCE: Journal of the American Dental Association, February 13, 2008.

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Watch our new presentation on Invisalign and the effects Invisalign will have on your smile. Have you always wanted a straight smile but did not like the looks of braces? Invisalign is the answer you have been looking for.

For more information on Invisalign or to request an appointment visit the sedation dentists.

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Is what you eat affecting your teeth?

Many common drinks and snacks such as fruit, yogurt and soft drinks may be contributing to permanent damage to our teeth. The break down of our teeth by acid that leads to decay is more commonly known as tooth erosion.

How your teeth are affected

Soft drinks and other foods which contain acids work over time to breakdown a tooth’s surface. By sipping or holding drinks in your mouth before swallowing, the enamel can dissolve,

thinning your teeth. Eventually the tooth’s enamel will lose its shape and change color due to the repeated exposure to acid. Also, frequent consumption of foods with a low pH value including fresh fruit, yogurt, honey and raisins can contribute to erosion.

What you can do to help prevent tooth erosion?

It is important to remember it’s not what you eat and drink that matters but how you consume the harmful foods. To help prevent tooth erosion, people who consume acidic foods should wait at a minimum of 20 minutes before brushing their teeth in order to not destroy the weakened enamel. Acidic foods should be consumed within a five minute period instead of snacking on them throughout the day. It is also important to be aware of habits such as sucking on lemons or swishing soda in your mouth which prolong the exposure of your teeth to the harmful acid.

Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associates may also perform dentin bonding to help prevent tooth erosion. This procedure is when the teeth are painted with a very thin layer of dentin to help prevent further tooth erosion.

Source: “Improper Consumption Of Acidic Foods Could Lead To Destroyed Enamel.” Science Daily, June 26, 2007.

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