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How often do you come to shop in Weston? - less than once a week - 1 to 2 times a week - 3 to 5 times a week What brings you most often to Weston? I ,, I)lllt8t)lllt)fI.ll_lllllllCljlWi,'llittl The International Conference on the biocompatibility of materials declares that: "Based on the known toxic potentials of mercury and its documented release from dental amalgams, usage of mercury containing amalgam increases the health risk of the patients, the dentists, and dental personnel. " The above statement is a landmark conclusion for dentistry. The individual biocompatibility of a material should be fully evaluated before it is placed within a patient. In order to understand the amalgam problem, it would be best to have an elementary review of dental materials history. For many centuries before the advent of dentists, teeth got along fine in the oral environment. As our diet began to degenerate, so did our teeth. Then the problem of filling the resultant holes in the teeth came to the forefront and the strength of the filling material became the big factor. Historically, lead and gold were two materials used to fill holes in Do you shop in Weston regularily) Yes No Please circle your correct response The Weston Business Community is interested in what you as a consumer, think is missing from the Town of Weston - take a few minutes to fill out this survey and send it to us at 1800 Weston Road, Weston, Ontario M9N 1V8. You do not need to include your name or address. - ,7 __ Volume 94 Issue 2 m m WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY FOR US? What do you think is missing from the Town of Weston? Shopping Services Entertainment Other What means of transport do you use when you come to Weston? Walk Bus Car Bus (What do you think of the service?) the teeth. Gold was expensive and lead was toxic, so lead was discarded in favour of mercury. Mercury fillings were introduced to the U.S. during the 1830's. In the 1940's, what is called Amalgam War #1 took its toll on the National Association of Dental Surgeons. The Association self destructed because approximately half the dentists wanted to place silver mercury amalgam fillings and the other half wanted amalgam outlawed. Longevity became the next subject of concern so additional dental materials were developed that contained more diverse components. This produced more corrosion in the mouth. Unfortunately, the requirements for materials to resist the hostile environment are not always commensurate with the biological hazard they create. Regrettably, adequate biological concern was discarded as a requirement for plausible dental materials in the 1930's because of the expense. What are some of the "facts" re- If Car - do you find parking easy? yes no I WIN A DINNER FOR TWO AT CENTRAL RESTAURANT A draw will be held on June 11th at the Farmers' Market from all those entries with correct answers. Entries must be received no later than June 10th. Fill in the answers to the Trivia Quiz on page 2 and mail or deliver to: 1800 Weston Road Weston, Ontario M9N 1V8 Address Name WESTON NEWS & VIEWS .ental - Once a doctor removes an that amalgam filling in your mouth and 'erse places it on the tray it once again more becomes a hazardous waste )uth. material and must be handled with s for great care. stile - I ask the reader what is it about vays the mouth that makes the same item gical non-toxic? Or is it possible that the ably, mouths of some 80% of was North-Americans with amalgam for fillings are in actuality "toxic waste the dumps? tr - Amalgam fillings have been tested re- for their strength but not for their Thank you for your time. This could help considerably in our efforts to improve the business area. What is your Postal Code W} Who does most of the shopping i yourfamily? .................. How many persons in your household? ........ Do you live in an apartment a house What is your age group ......... Approximately how much money do you spend in Weston? Weekly...................... Monthly................ garding dental amalgam? - Mercury comprises 50% of' the silver dentalfilling - Researchers from all over the world have measured vapour coming of the filling particularly after stimulation through chewing, bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth) hot and or acidic food and tooth brushing. - Research has shown mercury dental amalgam to have an adverse effect on the T-Lymphocyte count (a very important part of our immune system). Phone 16. 18. IO., 13 14 15. 17. 11 12 are rarely present in the chronic low dosage exposures. Blood levels are not helpful in the diagnosis of mercury poisoning since mercury quickly finds its way into various tissues of the body depositing in the brain, adrenal, thyroid and other organs. One must remember that diagnosis of mercury poisoning is extremely difficult because of the insidious nature of the onset and because most physicians unfamiliarity with proper testing techniques. Fortunately, there are dentists who have seriously questioned the information being propagated by the establishment. They can no longer with a clear conscience continue placing a poison in unsuspecting patients who trust their dentist, especially now that we have suitable alternatives that may be stronger than amalgam. These concerned dentists are attending meetings to learn more about materials they are using and F to properly remove unsuitable ones. Serum biocompatibility testing seems to identify immunologic reactions to various dental materials providing guidance in determining the need for removal and replacement with appropriate materials. There is a positive note to this unhealthy situation, however. Replacement dental materials for amalgam do exist which more closely resembles the natural appearance of the tooth. This is certainly to be desired since amalgams over time turn black and even when they are first placed do not look anything like the natural tooth. In practice I am personally more concerned with the patient's health rather than aesthetic appearance. It is not the recommendation of this article that old amalgams should be replaced strictly because of aesthetic appearance. It would be much more judicious to place non mercury restorations in new cavities and in those that are failing due to decay and corrosion. The one conclusion that I personally feel about dental amalgam is that decisions about fillings like all decisions about your dental health should be made in your dentist'? office within the bounds of the doctor/patient relationship. I trust this article has caused some to have "second thoughts" about the safety of amalgam. safety, and on the other hand, research pointing out its toxicity is abundant. Most physicians would like to be able to diagnose mercury toxicity by finding a high urinary level of mercury. Unfortunately high levels 35 King Street Suite JOl Weston Ontario M9N 3R8 (416) 241-3549 Page 10