Spirit Dental Resources

Retainers are great because they help you retain your beautiful new smile after you’ve used braces. However, they can get pretty funky from sitting in your mouth for extended periods of time, so keeping them clean is imperative.What are some of the easiest ways to ensure your retainer will always be as clean as possible? We’ve compiled a list of tips below to help you get started, but if you have any questions about the very best methods for keeping these dental products bacteria-free, consulting with your dentist or orthodontist is recommended.First Off, What Type Are You Using?To effectively keep your retainer free of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, you need to clean it based on the type of retainer that you’ve been given.Hawley: This removable retainer, which is molded especially for your unique mouth, is used after your pearly whites have been straightened with the help of orthodontics. Made of metal and plastic, you do need to be careful with it, as it could be damaged by impact or heat.To wash it daily, don’t rinse it using hot water. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, making sure to be gentle as you work on removing food particles. Regular toothpaste isn’t recommended, as it’s too abrasive, so just use the brushing action and lukewarm water.Beyond that, you can soak it on a regular basis in a denture cleaner. And, after you disinfect it, you should store it in a case to protect it until you need to wear it again.Essix: This retainer, or clear aligner, is constructed of plastic that’s transparent, so it won’t be as obvious in your mouth while it covers your chompers. Like a Hawley, an Essix is removable, it’s molded so that it’ll perfectly fit your mouth, and it might be necessary after you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment so that you can maintain your straight smile.Only need to wear your Essix during the night? Then simply rinse it thoroughly with some cold water prior to putting it into your mouth. Then, when you take it out the next morning, just rinse it the same way again.However, if you do wear it while you eat, you should gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water after every meal (don’t use toothpaste, and don’t use hot water). That’ll help ensure it doesn’t sit in your mouth with food particles stuck to it, which would be yucky. And, on a regular basis, you can even use a special cleanser to deeply disinfect this retainer.Side note: Whether you have a Hawley or Essix, washing it right after you take it out of your mouth can be easier because it will still be wet from your saliva, so the debris won’t have a chance to harden. When brushing these retainers, you can also get a deeper clean by mixing together some mild dish soap and lukewarm water.   Fixed: Also known as a bonded retainer, a fixed retainer will sit permanently in your mouth, so it won’t be removable. It’s typically used when the risk is high that your teeth will end up shifting, and it might need to be in your mouth for years.To keep it hygienic, daily flossing will be necessary. You can get a floss threader to make the process easier, and it’s a great idea to ask your orthodontist for expert advice on how to do it right. It might take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of things, you’ll be able to keep this retainer super clean.Some Other Things to RememberRetainers don’t like heat, so don’t expose yours to boiling water, a dishwasher, or a microwave, as a few examples. Sure, you can cleanse and disinfect other common items with heat and hot water, but your retainer isn’t one of them. Lukewarm water is best.Soak your retainer in some mouthwash to help remove bacteria and freshen it up. Mix equal parts lukewarm water with alcohol-free mouthwash for a quick soak that lasts a few minutes.A basic brushing routine might be all that you need to keep your retainer nice and clean. So if you want to avoid the use of chemical based solutions, you certainly might be able to. Just be diligent when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as rinsing and brushing your retainer daily. However, if you’ve been sick, such as with strep throat, you might want to use a special cleaner to kill the bacteria so you could help reduce the odds of reinfecting yourselfUse warm water and soap to wash your retainer’s case and remove any bacteria that might be lingering there as well. Dry thoroughly before using it again.Note: If you start noticing things like cloudiness, white spots, or a film on your retainer, or if it has a nasty taste or smell, these are signs that you need to perform a more intense cleaning.   Fresh Mouth, Spotless Retainer, and Straight Teeth!Your retainer will help you achieve the perfect smile that you want, so take good care of it! Wash it every time you brush your teeth, and give it a deeper cleaning regularly, such as weekly.For additional guidance, have a chat with your orthodontist about how to keep your retainer spotless. You can even ask about natural solutions, such as baking soda and white vinegar, that would be appropriate for your type of retainer. Also, if there’s debris on it that you can’t seem to remove on your own, it’s time to take it to your orthodontist, who has special solutions on hand.With the right technique, tools, and routine, you can rest assured that your retainer will always be sanitary and won’t contribute to the development of oral health problems like cavities or gum disease. And with the right orthodontic dental insurance, your orthodontics treatments won’t break the bank, so be sure to check out some of the Spirit plans that are available today!Sources:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/how-to-clean-retainershttps://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-clean-retainers#general-retainer-carehttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317894https://www.caortho.org/blog/retainer-cleanhttps://askthedentist.com/clean-retainer-without-harsh-chemicals/ 

These days, there are a lot of dental products and procedures available to make your smile the best that it could possibly be. One popular example is dental veneers. Put simply, when you get veneers, porcelain in the color of your teeth is applied permanently to the front of your pearly whites, giving them a perfect appearance. Want to instantly and easily whiten your teeth? Do you have enamel that’s been damaged over the years, or perhaps some cosmetic imperfections, and you want to restore the exterior of your teeth? Veneers might be the ideal solution that you’ve been hoping for! But, before you dive in and tell your dentist that you want to undergo this procedure, read on to learn about a few things that you should consider first. 1. Veneers Are Permanent, So Choose Your Dentist Wisely In order to put veneers onto your teeth, your dentist will need to remove some of the outer enamel first. Then, once in place, the veneers will be permanent, and there’s no way to undo what has been done. Therefore, it’s wise to take your time when searching for a dental pro who will do this for you. You want to be absolutely sure the dentist you choose has loads of experience, along with plenty of evidence in the form of photos of other patients, to prove his or her expertise. Ask the dentist about all of the materials that he or she plans on using, as well as how long you should anticipate the veneers will last once they’re set in place. And be upfront about any issues that you’ve been experiencing, such as clenching, grinding, or sensitivity. A reputable dentist will want to ensure you’re the right candidate for veneers, and part of that involves checking your overall oral health, including whether or not you have tooth decay or gum disease that needs to be addressed. If you have gum disease, cavities, large fillings, or fractured teeth, or if you don’t have enough enamel or you clench and grind your teeth, you likely won’t be the right candidate for veneers. Although there are solutions to some of those problems, be wary of a dentist who tells you that you can just go ahead and get veneers without resolving those concerns first. 2. They Will Eventually Need to Be Replaced Over time, your veneers will experience some wear and tear, so your dentist will have to either repair or replace them. Therefore, this is another cost that should be considered. More expensive porcelain veneers might last upwards of 15 years. That’s pretty sweet, right? On the other hand, if you go the more affordable route and opt for composite, you might only get up to seven years out of them. 3. Be Prepared to Get a Big Bill The cost of your veneers will depend upon a few factors, such as the location of the dentist that you’re using, how many teeth will be worked on, and which dental professional you select. No matter what, though, you should expect the bill to be rather high, typically ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with composite being a more affordable option than porcelain. Talk about sticker shock! Tip: It’s a good idea to ask, in advance, if there might be any additional costs that would be applied before or after the procedure is done. 4. Your Teeth and Gums Might Be Sensitive After the Procedure Be aware that there is a risk of increased sensitivity after veneers are put in place. Your chompers might look great right away, but it might take some time before they aren’t sensitive to cold or hot foods and drinks. Also, your gums might be sore as they adjust as well. 5. They’re as Easy to Clean as Your Actual Teeth A viable alternative to crowns and bonding, once the veneers are set, all you have to do is take care of your teeth and gums like you always have, by brushing, flossing, and making regular trips to the dentist. Yes, even with veneers, your teeth can decay if not cared for properly. Veneers: A Great Option for Improving the Look of Your Smile! Overall, veneers are a fabulous choice for a lot of people who want to beautify and brighten their smile, especially since the porcelain is stain resistant. So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to see if this cosmetic procedure is right for you, consult with a dental professional to get the answers you need.   Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/veneer-procedure/ https://www.jonfrankeldentistry.com/blog/be-sure-to-ask-these-questions-before-getting-veneers/ https://www.billdorfmandds.com/blog/3-questions-to-ask-before-getting-dental-veneers/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/how-long-do-veneers-last https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a13051650/what-are-veneers/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1

You’ve seen the various ads warning you about the adverse health effects of smoking—some of them are pretty disturbing, aren’t they? And you likely already know that smoking can do damage to your teeth and gums. But what, exactly, are smokers teeth, anyway? What will smoking do to your pearly whites and your gums if you don’t quit the addiction?Smoking Takes a Major Toll on Your GumsSmoking doesn’t only give you bad breath. In fact, bad breath is a small side effect compared to the serious effects of this unhealthy habit.First off, when you smoke, your immune system is weakened. How does this affect your mouth, specifically? Well, it becomes more challenging for your body to fight infections in your gums. Your gums become increasingly more damaged every time you smoke, and they become less and less capable of healing as well.What are some of the symptoms of gum disease? They include pain when you chew, as well as gums that are red, tender, swollen, or bleeding. You might notice that your gums are beginning to pull away from your teeth, too. And teeth typically become sensitive or loose as gum disease progresses. Yikes!Your risk of developing gum disease only increases the more you smoke. In fact, your risk for this oral health problem doubles when you smoke. And, if you do develop it, the usual treatments that would work for other patients might not be as effective on you because of your smoking addiction. So, the sooner you quit, the better it’ll be for your gum health.Side note: No, e-cigarettes aren’t any better arguably!Your Teeth Suffer, Too!Smoking stains teeth—hence, the term, “smokers teeth.” So, if you smoke, you might find yourself splurging on over-the-counter whitening treatments or asking your dentist for a professional whitening session. Basically, your chompers can become pretty unsightly, with yellow stains that may develop more quickly than you might expect. And the more you smoke, the darker the stains. Over time, your white teeth will turn into an unattractive shade of dark yellow or brown. Yuck!As if the stains weren’t bad enough, smoking does even more to further damage your teeth: it can boost the risk of tooth decay through a rise in the buildup of plaque and tartar. And when your dentist fills your teeth, the smoking will continue to discolor your once pearly whites, as well as the fillings themselves, so even restorative treatments might leave you disappointed with the results.Speaking of fillings—composite fillings, in particular—smoking won’t only stain them; it will also cause them to wear out before they should. So if you want your composite fillings to continue looking good, and you want them to last as long as possible, quitting smoking is the way to go.Remember when we mentioned above that smoking reduces the strength of your immune system? This also means that, if you have to undergo oral surgery or a dental procedure like a tooth extraction, your mouth will take longer to heal. And if you need to get a dental implant to replace a lost or damaged tooth, the success rate might also be lower for you if you’re a smoker.This Is Super Serious: Smoking Increases Your Risk of Oral Cancer!When you smoke, you aren’t just doing harm to your teeth and gums; you’re also harming your entire mouth, increasing your risk of oral cancer. If that isn’t frightening, we don’t know what is.To put things in perspective, and to illustrate the severity of a smoking addiction: the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, tongue, throat, and lips is six times higher compared to people who don’t smoke. Wow! It’s clear that the effects of smoking extend far beyond stained teeth and swollen gums.Need Extra Advice? Have a Chat with Your Dentist!If you’re a smoker, your dentist can point out the damage that your habit is doing to your mouth. Beyond that, however, you can also ask your dentist for advice on how to quit. Perhaps talking to a dental pro and learning about the risks to your teeth and gums will give you the motivation that you need to take your first step towards quitting this addiction for good.Although you might immediately think of “smokers teeth” as the negative effect on the appearance of your chompers, smoking does much more damage than you might realize at first. From being one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults, to contributing to the risk of mouth cancer, there’s no denying that smoking is a nasty habit that’s worth quitting.  Sources:https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.htmlhttps://www.dentalhealth.org/smoking-and-oral-healthhttps://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/effects-of-smoking-on-teethhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/smoking-oral-health#1

Updated Nov. 2021 You hear about gum disease a lot. Commercials on TV talk about it, your dentist probably mentioned it at some point during your past checkups, and you might know someone who has this condition.  But what is gum disease, exactly? What are the symptoms of this oral health problem, and are there any treatments available to tackle it? The answers to all of these questions can be found below. A Few Things You Should Know About Gum Disease Gum disease starts as gingivitis. So, if you’re experiencing the symptoms of gingivitis (e.g. red, swollen, bleeding gums), it’s best to tackle the problem with the help of your dentist so it won’t advance to gum disease.  Gum disease can impact the structures that support your teeth. As the condition worsens, you may notice that your gums start to separate from the teeth, and this puts you at risk of losing your pearly whites. Yikes!    Another awful effect of gum disease: bad breath. If you’re noticing that you can’t get rid of your bad breath no matter what you do, gum disease might be the culprit.  But what’s also scary is that, in addition to affecting your mouth, gum disease might even have an impact on other aspects of your health. This is a condition that’s associated with damaging inflammation, and there might be a link between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, if you’re pregnant, gum disease might increase the risk of having a baby prematurely or having a baby with a low birth weight.  For all of these reasons, keeping track of the health of your gums, and getting advice from a dentist on how to keep your whole mouth healthy, is ultra-important. The Usual Symptoms of Gum Disease Now that you know a bit more about gum disease and its effects on oral health, you might be wondering what symptoms would alert you that something is wrong. Well, the first thing you should keep in mind is that, sometimes, there might not be symptoms that make it easy to spot this problem.  As mentioned above, the earliest stage of gum disease is the development of gingivitis. This is when the gums become inflamed, so you might notice that they’re tender and bleed easily. Caused by bacteria in plaque, this is a problem that can be reversed more easily than gum disease. Your dentist may give you a professional cleaning, and you can work on keeping your teeth and gums as clean as possible by brushing and flossing daily at home.  If you notice the following symptoms, it’s best to talk to your dentist to figure out what’s wrong, as you might have gum disease: Your gums are swollen, sensitive, and red. There is bleeding from the gums when you brush or floss. Your gums are starting to recede or you’re noticing deep pockets between the teeth and gums.  You have bad breath that won’t go away, or there is a bad taste in your mouth.  Your teeth are sensitive, or you’re experiencing pain when you chew.  Your teeth are shifting or loose. The Treatment Options to Fight Gum Disease Seeing your dentist for checkups can help you find out about problems like gum disease before they progress, especially if you aren’t experiencing symptoms.  If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist might recommend the following treatments to help prevent further damage and tooth loss: A professional cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline, so this might be the first step that your dentist recommends. For a deeper cleaning of the teeth and gums, you might need to undergo what’s known as scaling and root planing. This will clean the roots and smooth them to help the gums heal and reattach to the teeth. To work on removing bacteria and inflammation, your dentist might prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. For example, an antibiotic gel might be placed under the gums to provide targeted treatment.  Depending on the severity of the gum disease, and the damage that’s been done, surgery might be necessary in some cases. Examples include bone grafts, tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and flap surgery.     Work with Your Dentist to Keep Your Gums in Tip-Top Shape! Ultimately, seeing your dentist on a consistent basis is important if you want to catch the earliest signs of gum problems. There’s only so much that you can do at home to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, so it’s wise to visit the dentist for professional cleanings, checkups, and X-rays. And with the right dental insurance, you’ll have the support you need to pay for high-quality care if you’re ever diagnosed with gum disease. Sources: https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-symptoms.htm https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease#1 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/symptoms/ https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/gum-disease/spot-the-7-signs-of-gum-disease https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/early-signs-of-gum-disease/

You might think that your baby’s pacifier is a godsend, especially during those moments when nothing else will calm your child. Unfortunately, though, like anything else in life, pacifiers do come with their own set of drawbacks that are worth thinking about. Those drawbacks include what’s known as “pacifier teeth.” What are pacifier teeth? We cover what you need to know below to help you make smart decisions when it comes to using a binky to soothe your little one. Pacifiers Might Affect the Way Your Baby’s Mouth Develops In the same way that thumb sucking might lead to oral problems, such as misaligned teeth and the improper development of the roof of the mouth, pacifiers could end up doing more harm than good when their use isn’t controlled. The term “pacifier teeth” refers to the damage that’s done by a pacifier. If your growing baby continues using a binky: The teeth might end up growing in crooked The position of the teeth might change The jaw might not be properly aligned There might be bite problems The upper teeth might protrude forward In other words, a binky may end up having a big impact on the way your child’s teeth grow in, adversely affecting their alignment and resulting in a need for braces. Beyond that, however, the actual shape of your child’s mouth might also be affected by the prolonged use of a pacifier. What seemed, at first, like a harmless tool that you could use to appease your baby might actually end up doing quite a bit of damage as your child grows. Wow! Alert: Dental Decay Is Another Potential Problem Do you add some sweetness to your child’s pacifier by putting sugar or juice on it? Bad idea! Just think about it: you’re giving your baby something that’s covered in sugar, and letting him or her suck on it for a long period of time. As you probably already guessed, this may lead to the development of tooth decay, which you certainly don’t want. So, when it comes to pacifier teeth, it isn’t just about how the teeth grow in and how they look; the actual health of your baby’s teeth might be jeopardized by excessive pacifier use, particularly if you aren’t using a clean, unsweetened binky. Preventing Pacifier Teeth: It’s Easier Than You Might Think! Pacifiers aren’t totally bad, especially for babies up to six months old. You can definitely let your child use a pacifier, while also taking the appropriate steps to avoid pacifier teeth. The goal should be to get your baby to stop using a binky by the time he or she is two years old. That’s because, by the age of two, you might already begin seeing negative effects on the mouth and teeth. However, if any teeth issues do occur before the age of two, they might end up self-correcting in the months after your toddler stops relying on the pacifier. The longer your child uses a binky, the worse the effects will be. If your kid is still using a pacifier after his or her second birthday, there is a greater risk that the front teeth will end up tilting or slanting in an unattractive way. And, if he or she is still using a binky at four years and older, the permanent teeth might be affected. Yikes! Break the Binky Addiction Pacifiers have their place, but only temporarily. Before long, it’ll be time for your baby to ditch the binky, and it will be your job to help him or her break the habit. Experts recommend using positive reinforcement to encourage your baby to rely less on the pacifier to feel good. Avoid scolding your toddler when he or she uses the pacifier. And when your child doesn’t use it, you can give praise or a small reward. It’s a good idea to start transitioning your baby off the pacifier when he or she is older than six months. To start, you might take the pacifier away during the day, but allow your child to use it while he or she sleeps.   For change to occur, consistency is key. Don’t give in to your kid’s demands for the pacifier. And make sure everyone in your family, as well as babysitters, are aware of the rules for binky use. If your child is stressed or anxious, try implementing other calming techniques and products that can replace the binky. Help Your Baby’s Teeth Grow in Beautifully! Sure, pacifiers are great, but there’s a time and place to use a binky before it becomes more damaging than beneficial. In addition to understanding the pros and cons of pacifiers, as well as when it’s best for your baby to stop using one, it’s also a great idea to consult with a dentist who can keep an eye on your child’s mouth as it grows. And, in addition to that, keeping your baby’s teeth and gums clean at home can also help maintain strong and healthy chompers as they grow in. Then, before you know it, your little one will have a full set of teeth and a gorgeous smile! Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/pacifiers/art-20048140   https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_77.pdf?la=en https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/infant-oral-care/will-my-baby-develop-pacifer-teeth https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/using-pacifiers#1 https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/bye-bye-binky-ending-the-pacifier-habit/

Amalgam fillings go by other names, such as silver fillings and mercury fillings. This material has been used by dentists around the world for more than 150 years to help people keep their teeth when a cavity develops. Rather than having to yank a tooth because of decay, dentists can fill it and restore its strength. You or someone you love might even have a mercury filling in one or more of your teeth already. Unfortunately, despite their long history and widespread use, there is quite a bit of controversy and concern surrounding the use of mercury fillings. So, what are some of the things that you should be aware of so that you can make more informed decisions when you’re at the dentist and told that you have a cavity? Check out the info below to learn more. What Are Amalgam Fillings? Do amalgam fillings contain mercury? The answer is yes, they do. But there’s more to it. Beyond mercury, which makes up roughly half of the filling, other metals are used to create a durable material that will last a long time and withstand pressure from chewing. Those metals include copper, silver, and tin. Because these fillings are visible, thanks to their silvery appearance, many people today opt for composite fillings instead because they’re tooth-colored and, therefore, not obvious when you open your mouth. But newer fillings can be more expensive, and they may not be appropriate in all cases, so amalgam is still commonly used.    Why the Big Fuss Over Mercury Fillings? According to the FDA, if you get an amalgam filling, the great thing about it is that there’s a lower chance of it breaking compared to other materials. Plus, it’s the most affordable of the options available. But experts do admit that there are some potential risks to consider before you and your dentist decide to go with amalgam. So, here’s the thing: because these fillings have elemental mercury in them, a low level of mercury vapor is released. And that vapor can, indeed, be absorbed by your lungs when you inhale. Okay, that’s kind of scary, right? But it gets worse: if your body is exposed to high levels of this vapor, the kidneys and brain might also be affected. It’s no wonder that there are so many concerns about mercury fillings! Then there’s a little something known as bioaccumulation, which is the term used for the buildup of a chemical within the body. You guessed it—mercury, even from a filling, is considered bioaccumulative. Basically, the vapor from these fillings can build up in certain tissues, including those in the brain and kidneys, even though the vapor is absorbed mostly by the lungs.   But, Wait, You Can Rest Easy About Amalgam Fillings After All That’s a lot of bad news about amalgam fillings, huh? But there’s something else that you should know: the FDA has stated that they’ve reviewed available evidence in an effort to figure out if a low amount of mercury vapor from a filling would really be harmful to human health. Bottom line: experts have concluded that these fillings are safe after all. In fact, children from age 6 and above, as well as adults, of course, can get a mercury filling without having to worry about it having an adverse effect on their health. On top of that, clinical studies in kids and adults haven’t been able to find any link between health problems and the mercury in dental fillings. Phew! And you know how it could bioaccumulate? Well, studies haven’t been able to prove that this causes any actual damage to the body’s organs. That’s a relief, right? Allergies to Mercury? Yep, It Can Happen It’s worth noting that some people may be sensitive to mercury, or they might even be allergic to it. Beyond that, some individuals might not be the right candidates for an amalgam filling because they’re allergic to the other metals within it. Symptoms of an adverse reaction to an amalgam filling include contact reactions and oral lesions. Ouch! The best way to avoid these reactions is to let your dentist know if you’re allergic to any of the components in the fillings. Don’t worry, modern dentistry offers so many great alternatives that will help you get your teeth strong and healthy again. Should You Bother Having Your Mercury Fillings Replaced? With newer filling materials available, you might be thinking, “Should I just replace my old amalgam fillings?” According to experts, the short answer is, no, you don’t really have to, unless you’re sensitive or allergic to the mercury or the other metals in the amalgam. Also, if your fillings aren’t holding up anymore, or if there is decay under a filling, you can have an old filling removed and replaced with a different material, such as a composite filling. But if your fillings are still in good shape and your teeth are fine, there’s likely no need to go through the trouble—and expense—of having them replaced. Plus, when you have an amalgam filling removed, more vapor will be released in the process. And your dentist will have to remove more healthy tooth, too. So, as you can see, it might not be worth it. But, ultimately, this important decision will be up to you and your dentist. Still Have Questions About Mercury in Dental Fillings? If you’re still concerned about mercury in fillings, or if you’re pregnant and you need to have dental work done, it’s best to consult with your dentist to learn about the pros and cons of amalgam. You can even let your dentist know that you’re interested in learning about other, newer filling materials that contain less mercury or no mercury at all. No matter what, you have options, whether you choose to go with good old amalgam or an alternative filling material to restore the health of your teeth. Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/mar/25/should-amalgam-fillings-be-removed https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml