Amalgams: Not All Medals (Metals) Are Olympic Winners
The Winter Olympics are here! Everything in PyeongChang is centered around and focused on the coveted gold, silver or bronze medals. You can track the medal count along with us here.
“A successful competition for me is always going out there and putting 100 percent into whatever I’m doing. It’s not always winning. People, I think, mistake that it’s just winning. Sometimes it could be, but for me, it’s hitting the best sets I can, gaining confidence, and having a good time and having fun.” – Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast
Gold and the Olympic medal seem to be synonymous with winning in so many ways.
Metal (not to be confused with an Olympic medal) also has a history in dentistry. Amalgams are an alloy of mercury with other metals, especially one used for dental fillings. The Chinese, in 659A.D., first used dental amalgam. In 1528, Dr. Johannes Stockerus recommended using amalgam as a filling material. Over the years the American public became distrustful of the use of amalgams. In 1856 the American Dental Association was founded and it approved the use of amalgams. Studies were conducted all over the world to find if there is a link between mercury exposure and various chronic complaints.
Although amalgams have been used for centuries, it does not mean that they are the ultimate, winning choice for dental fillings. Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and Food & Drug Association (FDA) back the use of amalgams as safe for the use in dentistry.
Les Belles NYC is a holistic dentistry practice. This means we treat our dental patients as a whole person. We focus on our patients’ entire health. We attempt to prevent and eliminate anything that will not promote healthy physical, emotional and/or spiritual living.
Our holistic dental professionals as Les Belles NYC refrain from using amalgams in our dental work. We view mercury as a toxin (which it is). And when that toxin (even trace amounts) is placed in your mouth, it may affect the rest of your overall health.
Our dentists at Les Belles NYC want all of our patients to experience not only a winning smile, but also a healthy, winning lifestyle as well. One way we do that is by avoiding the use of amalgams and also by offering the safe removal and safe disposal of your amalgam fillings. We are trained in the established protocols of this procedure.
We would love to discuss amalgams with you if you’re concerned about exposure to them. Book your appointment with Les Belles NYC to discuss the long-term effects of dentistry on your body because your oral health is an integral part of your overall health.
Oral health is about getting more than just dazzling teeth. It’s about beautiful, healthy and empowered living. It’s about helping people rediscover their own radiance through a healthy life that begins with a healthy mouth. While Les Belles is inspired by the Three Graces- Brightness, Joyfulness, and Bloom –the graces of brilliance and health are also infused into the heart and soul of this practice. When you combine smiles with health, many things can happen-the beauties of live AND beautiful lives-that is the future I want for my patients.
Dr. Sharon Huang, Founder
