Mercury usage in dentistry/Harmful effects of Dental Amalgam Filling

               Mercury usage in dentistry/Harmful effects of Dental Amalgam Filling

Mercury is used in medical instruments such as clinical thermometers and sphygmomanometers. It is also used in dentistry ,primarily in amalgam fillings.

High doses of mercury vapours escapes from amalgam fillings when ultrasonic scalers is used on amalgam surface or while polishing amalgam.

Use of hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents for teeth whitening  also releases mercury.

Maternal mercury vapours exposure can results in birth defects,it can affect fetus.Hence pregnant women are alert o be away from this.

Dental hygienists are advised not to polish amalgams when cleaning teeth.