Mercury-silver filling and autism: any connection?

Mercury-silver filling and autism: any connection?

Autism has been in the news a lot lately and in recent years a link has been suggested between possible causes of autism and chronic mercury poisoning.

Autism is a multifactorial neurological disorder and its causes are still unknown.

Some possible suggested factors include genetics and vaccinations that contain thimerosal (a preservative containing mercury). However, both theories do not address the cases of autism where vaccines have not yet been used. Autism developed. Additionally, we are seeing a sharp increase in autism recently, so the genetics theory does not answer this increase in incidence.

Several books have suggested that chronic exposure to mercury in dental amalgam fillings can have an indirect impact on our health.

I recently read an article by DR. Tom McGuire DDS, in which he states that mercury fillings in the mother's teeth before conception cause poisoning/exposure to the unborn fetus. This exposure may be increased by the child's exposure to multiple mercury-containing vaccinations at an early age. The mother may also ingest fish contaminated with mercury during her pregnancy. The suggestion is that the route of transmission of mercury toxicity from mother to fetus is through the placenta and breast milk, which damages neurological development - where the fetus has no defenses or immune system to fend off the attack.

I had this indirect transfer theory before reading Dr. McGuire's article was not considered a significant factor. In general, we tend to theorize massive direct exposure to toxic chemicals (like elemental mercury, radiation, etc.) as a more credible/causal link, but I think we would all agree that exposure to a fetus of any toxic chemical in any amount should be avoided if possible.

I don't think anyone can truly measure or say how much mercury we get from our silver fillings or how much mercury ends up in the fetus. Furthermore, trying to measure the short- and long-term damage it can cause, or how much is required to impact a fetus's neurological development, is equally difficult, if not impossible. However, I think that since we have alternative filling materials such as composite resins (also called adhesive/white fillings) or porcelain or zirconium oxide, why would anyone risk exposing themselves/their offspring to a potentially harmful material such as mercury? In 2010, the American Dental Association and the FDA had different views on the safety of silver mercury fillings for the first time in history. The FDA warned mercury fillings were harmful to health and later withdrew them due to pressure from the ADA.

I would suggest a thorough discussion between you and your dentist/doctor before choosing any materials to put into your body. Remember that the final decision is always between you and your healthcare professional. It is your responsibility and your right to be well informed about your options. I look forward to future research that might shed more light on this topic!

Inspired by Malki Jefry