Connections Between Mercury Fillings, Depression and Anxiety

A recent study published in Business Insider claims that being a dentist is the most dangerous job in America. In addition to sitting for long periods in awkward positions, dentists are exposed to high levels of heavy metals from dental amalgam. Nickel, tin and mercury pollute the air while a dentist is working. Unless they are using the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology protocol, the doctor, patients and staff are all inhaling these toxic vapors during the appointment.

Dentistry also has the highest suicide rate of any profession, but that’s not because dentistry is a miserable job. A Swedish study found that dental professionals have 40 times more mercury in their pituitary glands than the general population. Mercury toxicity, caused not just by working with amalgam fillings, but even just having them in our mouths, can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.

Mercury toxicity can lead to depression and anxiety by damaging and killing neurons; inhibiting neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters responsible for mood control and feelings of well-being) from binding to sites in the brain; promoting inflammation throughout the nervous system; blocking mitochondrial respiration (inhibiting the production of energy); causing low blood folate levels; and inhibiting acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that controls impulses for suicide, aggression and obsessive and/or compulsive behavior).

All this means dentists are more likely to be depressed because of their constant exposure to mercury and other heavy metals. Those with metal fillings should contact a holistic dentist to ensure that teeth are not cracked or leaking.

 

Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, is a general dentist with a holistic approach. Her office, Wrigleyville Dental, is located at 3256 N. Ashland Ave., in Chicago. For appointments, call 773-975-6666 or visit WrigleyvilleDental.com.