Has your dentist ever looked at you as if you were from the moon, uninformed, radical or (and this is the worst) "new age?" If you've brought up the subject of mercury amalgams, it's very likely you know what I'm talking about.

I left my last dentist, with my large stack of scientific studies in hand, after he finally, but sternly, agreed that he'd take my mercury out but would not bother with special equipment and was dead set against the ridiculous notion of needing supplements to follow up the treatments.

A lack of time, money and disdain for dental discomfort made it easy to put off the commitment of mercury removal. A trip to the dentist in Norway, Sweden or Denmark would result in a very different scenario. As of last year, it is illegal to use mercury in any products, including dental amalgams, in these countries due to both health and environmental
risk factors.

The Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim, says mercury is among the most dangerous environmental toxins. "Satisfactory alternatives to mercury in products are available, and it is therefore fitting to introduce a ban," he adds.

Germany and Austria have restrictions on using mercury
amalgams for children, pregnant women, people with kidney problems and those with mercury sensitivity.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Dental Association's official position on dental amalgam states, "Although amalgam fillings
release minute amounts of mercury vapour, current scientific consensus supports the position that amalgam does not
contribute to illness."

However, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (www.iaomt.org), and many other independent
organizations, suggest that the studies cited in support of dental amalgam use are poorly designed and raise ethical questions. Such groups point, instead, to the hundreds of studies that show mercury amalgams are not safe and say they
are especially concerned about mercury's role in causing chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects and mental disorders.

The World Health Organization, which estimates that amalgam contributes to 50 percent of mercury exposure in adults, admits "There may be no level of mercury at which some adverse effects do not occur."

A scientific review by German researchers (Gesundheitswesen, 2005) suggested that mercury from dental amalgam might lead to toxicity, emotional and behavioural changes, autoimmune diseases such as chronic fatigue and lupus, oxidative stress, autism, skin ailments and non-specific symptoms and complaints.

The development of Alzheimer's disease has also been linked to low-dose mercury exposure. Researchers have suggested
that mercury amalgams may be a common contributor in the cause of autoimmune conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, lupus, thyroiditis and eczema (Neuro Endocrinology Letters, 2004).

Indeed, it was my health that finally forced me to commit the funds and find the right dentist to proceed with mercury removal. Despite an all-organic, whole food vegetarian diet, regular exercise and meditation, high-quality supplements
and no vices such as smoking, drinking alcohol or even eating junk food, I was suffering. I found my symptoms of yeast overgrowth and low thyroid function, along with a significant list of symptoms that match the description of mercury toxicity, were not improving.

Since the only thing I hadn't done (to my knowledge)
for my health was get rid of the 11 mercury fillings I'd had since childhood, I had to give it a try.

My research on the subject revealed that one is hard pressed to get rid of Candida (yeast) overgrowth if they have mercury toxicity. I didn't know that. The mercury, apparently, acts like an ongoing dose of antibiotics, causing bacteria imbalance in the large intestine. No wonder I was able to eat fewer and fewer foods-even healthy foods like fruit and brown
rice-without symptoms such as skin rashes, despite Candida cleansing.

I've heard stories of people reversing multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue and a number of specific symptoms
and ailments after having their mercury removed. According to Consumers for Dental Choice (www.toxicteeth.org) mercury in blood and urine levels is often reduced by 80 percent within a few months after removal. They also list thousands of documented cases in which mercury amalgam removal, along with nutritional,antioxidant and detoxification treatment, improved health and cured serious chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, depression, gastrointestinal problems, multiple chemical
sensitivities, migraines, multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson's and heart conditions.

Luckily, there is an informed, up-to-date and properly equipped dentist in my new home of Powell River, BC. I am now more than halfway through my five appointments for mercury removal with Dr. Bradley, and I am already able to enjoy some of the food I'd been forced to eliminate. I have designed a gradual heavy metal detox protocol and my dental appointments have been spread apart by at least three weeks to avoid overloading my system with mercury.

My detox protocol involves a heavy metal detoxification
supplement kit from a manufacturer I trust. In addition to these supplements, which include a formula of vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants to facilitate detoxification, I am also eating more protein and taking amino acids, bentonite clay, chlorophyll and probiotics while ensuring regular sleep, exercise and bowel movements. I am drinking more water than usual, avoiding fish in my diet and
drinking a herbal detox tea of burdock root and alfalfa.

This protocol seems to be working for me so far. Working with my naturopathic doctor, I will follow up my last treatment with a month more of heavy metal detoxification and then do a Candida cleanse.

Everyone's circumstances will be different, which will require a different detoxification protocol. Other options for detoxification may include extra fibre, garlic, additional supplements, oral chelation or vegetable juicing. I'm excited to finish the removal, finish detoxifying and see just how healthy I can be when walking around without a known toxin affecting my health and my life.

Turns out I'm not from the moon or even new age, I'm just a person who can't be optimally healthy with a mouth
full of metal. Makes sense to me (and the Norwegians).



Sandra Tonn is a HANS member, freelance writer
and yoga teacher living in Powell River, BC.

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