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Most people can enjoy peanut butter without a second thought. For others, even trace amounts of peanut can be life-threatening. Some people thrive on dairy. Others literally can’t stomach even a splash of milk in their coffee. Same foods, different responses.
The principle applies to dental materials, too. We all respond differently to what’s placed in our mouths, which is exactly why biocompatibility testing is a thing.
Of course, some materials, such as mercury amalgam, aren’t biocompatible for anyone, but even then, individuals may react to it in different ways. Some can tolerate their “silver” fillings relatively well for years with no obvious symptoms of toxicity. Others start experiencing health issues shortly after placement or even years later once their body’s overall toxic burden reaches a tipping point.
And amalgam is toxic because mercury is toxic, and mercury makes up about half of the content, by weight, of this filling material. “Silver” amalgam fillings release mercury vapor each time you chew, brush, or consume something hot. Certain forms of radiation can also accelerate mercury release. And that vapor doesn’t just stay in the mouth. Some is inhaled directly into the lungs, where it quickly enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body. Mercury has a particular affinity for the brain, liver, and kidneys, potentially building up in these critical organs over time.
Indeed, mounting evidence of amalgam’s potential to harm has recently led the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT) and Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions (DAMS) to jointly petition the FDA to ban the material completely. Dozens of countries around the world have already restricted or banned it due to the health and environmental risks it poses.
Mercury fillings aren’t the only dental work that can compromise a person’s health, only the most notorious. Titanium implants can also present issues. Despite their name, these aren’t made from pure titanium but alloys that sometimes contain toxic metals such as nickel, chromium, and aluminum.
While most people tolerate titanium well, some develop sensitivity. This can cause persistent inflammation around implant sites and even systemic symptoms that seem completely unrelated to the mouth. This inflammation, called peri-implantitis – creates a vicious cycle, as it increases corrosion and metal release from the implant. This, in turn, worsens the inflammatory response. Additionally, if other metals are present in the mouth – amalgam fillings, for instance – galvanic (electrical) currents may be generated, which can further compromise health.
For the same reason, metal crowns, bridges, and partials can be problematic for some patients, as well.
Even some of the composites used for tooth-colored fillings, though safer than amalgam, can spell trouble for some people. Many brands contain problem ingredients such as fluoride and BPA, making them inherently non-biocompatible. Here at the Holistic Dental Center of New Jersey, we opt for cleaner formulations.
But because even those fluoride-free, BPA-free options can still contain ingredients that certain individuals might be sensitive to, having biocompatibility testing done is insurance that we use only materials that won’t trigger a reaction. This simple test exposes a small sample of your blood to hundreds of dental materials and measures the immune response, helping identify which ones your body is likely to tolerate best.
Anyone can request biocompatibility testing, and it’s strongly advised for patients with known sensitivities or chronic health issues.
Signs That Your Dental Work Might Be Affecting Your Health
So what should you be watching for? The signs that dental materials might be affecting your health can show up in your mouth or in your body. Some of the most common include
- A persistent metallic taste.
- Chronic bad breath.
- Gum inflammation or recession around specific teeth.
- Unusual tooth sensitivity or pain.
- White patches or lesions on the cheeks or tongue.
- Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
- Frequent headaches or migraines.
- Joint pain, muscle aches, and/or digestive issues.
- Autoimmune flares or existing conditions that become harder to manage.
The timing of symptoms can be tricky because they don’t always appear right after dental work. Some develop gradually over years as your body’s ability to handle the toxic burden decreases. Others appear more suddenly after dental procedures, illness, or periods of high stress.
A biological dentist is well qualified to evaluate if and how conditions in your mouth may be contributing to your various health complaints – and to help improve them so you can heal. The relationship between oral and whole body health is the foundation of what we do, after all. And that means that we also understand how to remove amalgam and other problem materials safely and replace them biocompatibly.
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms and have old dental work, start paying attention to health patterns. Keep a simple symptom diary. Note when symptoms worsen or improve, and whether they correlate with dental appointments, eating, or other activities that involve your mouth. Sometimes the connections become clear once you start looking for them.
The bottom line is this: Your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body. The materials placed there can have far-reaching effects on your health and quality of life. Working with a dentist who understands this connection – and who has the knowledge and protocols to address it safely – can make all the difference in reclaiming your health.
