FDA: Mercury in tooth fillings poses significant risk to children, newborns

Millions of people have them and they could be harmful, particularly to pregnant women, children and fetuses.

Silver-colored dental fillings containing mercury can have toxic effects on the nervous system, particularly those of developing children and newborns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced. The FDA issued the newest alert to consumers as part of a settlement of a lawsuit that had been filed by consumer advocates.

The FDA also agreed to alert consumers about the risks of dental fillings on its Web site and to issue a more specific rule for fillings that contain mercury by July 2009, administration spokeswoman Peper Long said.

“Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care but should discuss options with their health practitioner,” the agency said.

The FDA does not recommend the removal of silver fillings, also called amalgams.

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