Heavy metals! This is an uncommon term that is not usually pictured in relation to our human body. Indeed, the term "heavy metals" instinctively brings to mind building materials for example or other forms of this type but certainly not molecules present in our body. For the past few years, we have been hearing about hormonal endocrine disruptors invading our cells, but unfortunately the observation is becoming more and more widespread. Indeed, we are more and more in contact with these natural metallic elements characterized by a high density, higher than 5 grams per cm3.

Nickel, copper, cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury, etc. are among these heavy metals that potentially pollute our body.

Focus on mercury.

Mercury is a metal that is characterized by extreme volatility and combines perfectly with other molecules (thus other metals). We find it for this reason, among others, in dental amalgams. In fact,in dental amalgam alloys, the percentage of mercury would hover around 40-45% in combination with silver, tin and even copper.

Every time an individual has such a dental amalgam and chews into a food item or brushes their teeth, an infinite particle of the metal - mercury in its liquid state - evaporates and diffuses into their body. Unfortunately, this toxic element accumulates over the years in the body until, in the most serious cases, it leads to intoxication. Incidentally, occupational mercury poisoning is called hydrargy also called hydrargyrism. These diseases are characterized by lesions of the nervous centers with psychic disorders, difficulties of elocution, tremors, etc. These cases, although rare, do not spare us from the nephrotoxic risk (toxic action on the kidneys and nervous system) that can affect people with this type of dental amalgam, but also chronic intoxication, which is characterized, it, by a series of disorders on health.

Scary figures:

• The annual flow of mercury put in the mouth of the French is about 15 tons.
• The annual stock of mercury in the mouth of the French is about 100 tons.

Today, it is possible to treat a cavity without using mercury amalgam fillings. Composites are offered to customers who wish to find an alternative solution. In addition, today's proposals are much more aesthetic because the shades offered are variable and match the colors of the patient's teeth. We are far from the grey amalgams that invade some dentition.

The resin is applied and adapted to the cavity to be treated with a minimum of preparation. Of all the existing techniques, the application of composite is the one that ensures the best preservation of the tooth. Composite and adhesive techniques are even recommended for small, low-volume primary lesions. The problem is different for large lesions or amalgam replacement.

To this day, in an effort to detoxify the body, some people wish to undergo amalgam removal. In fact, this therapeutic procedure makes it possible to replace old amalgams with newer, healthier composites. This procedure must be performed by a dentist who offers such protocols as not all dental practitioners perform this type of procedure. Indeed, many precautions must be taken for an efficient and especially safe work.

Along with this change in dentistry, people who wish to get rid of the mercury that pollutes them must also engage in internal treatment to allow for true detoxification. Many times,  algae are used in this sense because they have the ability to bind to heavy metals to expel them from the body: This is called chelation.

In order to know your situation regarding heavy metals, we advise you to meet a naturopath specialized in this field.

Source: Information Report No. 261 (2000-2001) by Mr. Gérard MIQUEL on behalf of the Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (OPEX)