Amalgam Fillings and Breastfeeding

Yes it's safe to have your filling replaced. It's my understanding as a nurse and mom who breastfed my two girls that the mercury is chemically bound and thus unable to be absorbed into your system (and your babies) in any appreciable amounts. You are probably at a greater health risk not fixing your teeth. Cracked fillings are the perfect breeding grounds for all kinds of bacteria that can cause both of you a lot more harm. Call your dentist!

You'll get more mercury from a tuna sandwich.

Hi Susan!
I'm a dental professional with 17 yrs experience. I also happen to be married to a dentist. Please go to the ADA website and read the info about amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are VERY safe and cost effective. The ADA & FDA have done extensive studies regarding the safety of amalgam fillings. They have NOT been able to find any risks.I agree with Page, you are exposed to more mercury in tuna. Composite (white fillings) are very technique sensitive and can't be used in all cases. They are also much more expensive. Something everyone needs to remember, dentistry is a business and people get into business to make money. Composite fillings are one the BEST money makers in the business. Dental consultants recommend dentists do more cosmetic dentistry like composite fillings in order to increase production. I agree that composite fillings look better, but I personally go with a filling material that has been used for over 100 yrs. Feel free to email with any questions. If I can't answer them I will find someone who can.
Sincerely,
L.

I know a lot of people have fears about the old amalgam fillings because they contain mercury. The truth is that numerous studies have found amalgams to be safe and the studies questioning their safety have been largely anecdotal and in several cases funded by the companies that make the more attractive white fillings (they wanted to create controversy about the old fillings so that more insurance companies would pay for the newer fillings, talk about your conflicts of interest.) If your really concerned give your pediatrician a call, I'm sure his/her office can reassure you. I've attached a link to one of the studies published about the safety of amalgams if your interested.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11258092?ordinalpos=16...

Here is a link to a holistic dentistry resource that can answer some questions. There is cause to be concerned, so have a look and get a better picture of questions to ask.

http://www.wholebodydentistry.com/search_results.php

put "amalgam fill" in the search term window to get results for that topic.

There are holistic dentists to see, which may have some better options for you.

Hope this helps!

Most dentists today that are well versed in current dentistry no longer use amalgam fillings - if your's does, perhaps its time to find a new dentist! Many old school dentists refuse to use anything but amalgam just because it is all they know.

When I was pregnant, my dentist had me hold off on any dental work until after the baby was born, but said there were no issues with anything after the baby was born. Nothing the dentist uses (not including nitrous oxide) to numb or work on your mouth enters your blood stream, so there is no risk to breastmilk.

Hi Susan,
I don't know where you live, I'm in the Concord CA area and my dentist doesn't do amalgam fillings, he uses a glass ionimar (not sure of the spelling). It is a wonderful replacement. I have had a couple of teeth fixed, you don't need any shots for pain, it's really strong, the same color of teeth and is flexible like your real teeth are and won't put stress on your teeth like fillings do. His name is Robert Chan. He's an amazing dentist. His father is an oral surgeon.

Yes, the mercury from the amalgam can get into your system and therefore into the baby. Can you have the amalgam removed while you're at the dentist and get the other kind of filling? Yes, if it were me, I'd pump and dump for a few days. The bolus dose will be the day of the teeth work. It should taper off after another day or two.