Martin M. The effect of ethanol on urinary mercury levels in dentists. J Dent Res 73; IADR Abstract (1994).

Abstract: "Ingestion of ethanol has been shown in limited animal and human studies to reduce the level of absorption of inhaled mercury vapor, the primary source of mercury exposure in dentistry. Originally discovered , and reported by Kudsk (Acta Pharmacol. et Toxicol 23:263-274, 1965), this phenomenon remains little-explored. Hursh et al. (J Pharmacol Exp Ther 214:520-527, 1980) from the results of a 3-subject human trial and a series of animal trials, have hypothesized that the best explanation for this effect is the inhibition of the oxidation of inhaled Hg0 to Hg++, and the reoxidation of

Hg0 produced in tissues by reduction of Hg++. The current study examines the relationship of alcohol ingestion to urinary mercury concentration in a population of dentists attending the 1991 annual session of the American Dental Assoc., and participating in an on-site urinary mercury screening. Spot urine samples were collected and mercury level determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Information concerning weekly alcohol consumption was collected along with other health, professional practice and personal characteristics. In the total study population (n=1,172), a significant difference was seen in the mean urinary mercury level between drinkers and abstainers (standard t-test, p<.05). The subjects were then divided into those with < or = 1 ug Hg/L (n=105) and > or = 15 ugHg/L (n=33), and compared for levels of weekly ingestion of alcohol. After adjusting for age, gender, number of years in practice, number of accidental mercury spills in the office, and use of vitamins, a clear inverse dose-response relationship was seen between alcohol and urinary mercury, with odds ratios which ranged continuosly down from 1.0 for non-drinkers to 0.22 for individuals who drank more than 11 drinks/week. The findings of this first large-scale human study support previous findings that ingestion of ethanol inhibits the absorption of mercury vapor. Supported by NIDR grant #DE00161-05S4."

McNerney RT & McNerney JJ. A Review. Mercury Contamination In the Dental Office. NYS Dental Journal November 1979 pp 457-458

No abstract available. Citation from the text follows: "This article is a synthesis of many studies and writings on the problem associated with exposure to mercury vapor in workplace environment, particulary the dental office... The symptoms of mercury poisoning from chronic inhalation develop gradually and thus, may be difficult to notice. With the exception of tremor, the symptoms may be ignored by the victim or attributed to other causes. This lack of awareness is particulary likely in the case of erethism, a condition characterized by irritability, outbursts of temper, excitability, shyness, resentment of criticism, headache, fatigue, and indecision. Erethism is the most difficult manifestation of mercury poisoning to evaluate, especially if tremors are absent, and its symptoms may be attributed to anxiety or neuroasthenia. Other general symptoms associated with mercury poisoning include weakness, unusual fatigue, loss of weight, loss of appetite, insomnia and gastrointestinal disturbances. A condition known as asthenic-vegetative syndrome, also called micromercurialism, is said to account for psychological changes observed in persons frequently exposed to low concentrations of mercury in the air, concentrations found in the majority of dental offices surveyed. The syndrome is characterized by decreased productivity, loss of memory, loss of self confidence, depression, fatigue and irritability"

Mjor IA. Problems and Benefits Associated with Restorative Materials: Side-effects and Long-term Cost. Adv Dent Res 6:7-16 (1992)

"The paper reviews data on biological side-effects of dental materials on patients and also on personnel who routinely handle the materials. The incidence of adverse effect is low - in one study indicated to be 1:700 for all types of treatments. For individual types of materials, it will be significantly lower, and for restorative materials, probably ib the 1:10,000 to 1;20,000 range. Allergic reactions are the most common type of adverse effect of dental materials. Lichenoid reactions on the oral mucous membrane adjecent to amalgam restorations are the most frequently encountered side-effects for a specific group of restorative materials. Cost analyses were based on reports of longelivety of different restorations and the cost of restorations at the time of placement. Amalgam restorative therapy was more cost-effective than composite restorations and gold castings."

Molin M, Marklund S, Bergman B, Bargman M & Stenman E. Plasma-selenium, glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes and mercury in plasma in patients allegedly subject to oral galvanism. Scand J Dent Res 95:328-334 (1987)

Abstract: "Twelve patients with subjective symptoms, ascribed by the patients themselves to mercury released from dental restorations, were investigated. In addition to a general dental examination the following parameters were registered: the total number of amalgam surfaces in the mouth; potential and polarization of existing and accessible dental metallic restorations for calculation of intraoral currents. As regards the highest calculated intraoral current for each individual there was a statistically significant difference between the patient group and a control group consisting of 12 persons. An analysis of the amount of selenium, glutathione-peroxidase and mercury in the blood showed no differences between the patient and the control group. However, a statistically significant positive correlation could be seen between the total number of amalgam surfaces and the plasma-mercuey level for patients and controls pooled together. The numerous other blood parameters analyzed did not reveal any differences between the groups."

Molin M, Bergman B, Marklund SL, Schütz A & Skerfving S. Mercury, selenium, and glutathione peroxidase before and after amalgam removal in man. Acta Odontol Scand 48:189-202 (1990)

Abstract: "In 10 healthy persons all amalgam were replaced with gold inlays. Blood and urinary levels were measured on 10 occasions during a 4-month period before and a 12-month period after amalgam removal. These variables were also measured three times in 10 healthy controls. A strong statistically significant relation was found between plasma mercury values and both the total number of amalgam surfaces (r=0.71, p=0.0006) and the total surface area of the fillings (r=0.73, p=0.0004). In the immediate postremoval phase plasma mercury rose three- to four-fold, whereas the urinary and erythrocyte mercury rose about 50%. These peak values declined to the preremoval level at about 1 month. Twelve months after the removal the plasma and urinary mercury levels were significantly reduced to 50% and 25%, respectively, of the initial values for the experimental group. Apart from the significantly lower plasma selenium values 5 and 10 days after removal no significant differences were forund with regard to plasma selenium or erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase either within or between the experimental and the control groups. A large number of supplementary biochemical analyses did not show any influence on organ functions or any differences between the groups before or after the amalgam removal. Amalgam fillings considerably contributed to the plasma and urinary mercury levels."

Also make sure to read these books: Poison in Your Teeth: Mercury Amalgam (Silver) Fillings...Hazardous to Your Health! and Mercury Detoxification by Tom McGuire