Is the FDA Changing Course on Amalgam Dental Fillings and MS?

For years, some people have warned of a possible connection between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the amalgam fillings many of us have in our teeth. The concern has been that these fillings contain mercury, which can be toxic, especially if they are removed.

In large part, these concerns have been poo-pooed. I’ve been one of the naysayers, along with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, whose dental booklet says “there is no scientific evidence that heavy metal poisoning is responsible for either the onset or worsening of MS.” Importantly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had believed that “dental amalgam fillings [are] safe for adults and children ages 6 and above.”

“Had” is the key word.

The FDA now recommends cautions for some

The page containing that statement has been removed from the FDA’s website, and the agency has issued a news release recommending that people in certain groups consider not using amalgam to have their teeth filled. One of those groups is people with a preexisting neurological condition, like MS.

The FDA doesn’t say point-blank, “Don’t use amalgams,” but it comes pretty close:

“… [T]he FDA strongly encourages the use of non-amalgam restorations (fillings), such as composite resins and glass ionomer cements if your dentist thinks these materials are appropriate for your affected tooth’s structure and location, and if you have no history of allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to these materials.”

The FDA adds that if you’re in one of its high-risk groups, such as someone with a neurological disease, you should discuss treatment options with your dentist and analyze the benefits versus the risks of each. To help you, the agency has published an informational brochure.

But don’t rush out and ask your dentist to remove your amalgam fillings. The FDA does not recommend removing or replacing an amalgam filling if it’s in good condition, unless the removal is recommended by a healthcare professional. According to the agency, doing that might briefly expose you to mercury vapor released during the removal process.

Unanswered questions

The information in the FDA’s news release leaves me with a number of unanswered questions.

After all these years, why is the agency modifying its recommendations about amalgam fillings now? What has changed?

Is this a prelude to broader recommendations about amalgams?

Most importantly to me, could amalgam fillings have played a role in my MS? I had a mouth full of “silver” as a child and a young adult. Over the years, all were slowly replaced for various reasons.

The FDA recommends that non-amalgam be used for people with a preexisting neurological condition. But what about before that condition is diagnosed? Could I have avoided my MS by avoiding that mouth full of amalgam?

What are your questions, concerns, and experiences? Please share in our MS News Today Forums or in the comments below.

You’re also invited to visit my personal blog at www.themswire.com.

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Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.