MERCURY IN SALIVA

Mercury in saliva

Testing for mercury exposure through amalgam fillings.

People are exposed to mercury through mercury-contaminated food and drinking water, through inhalation of air containing mercury and through their amalgam fillings. As the exposure to mercury through the fillings is chronic, it can be significant over a longer period. The amount of mercury released from the fillings varies from person to person and depends on, among other things, the number and age of the fillings. Mechanical pressure, such as chewing and brushing teeth, and the consumption of acidic and hot drinks promote the release of mercury from the fillings.
With the mercury in saliva test the mercury exposure is measured via the amalgam fillings. To prevent the results from being affected by mercury from food or by additional mercury released when drinking hot or sour drinks or brushing teeth, the two hours prior to collecting the saliva samples should not be eaten or drunk and no teeth be polished. It is not recommended to do the test within 2 months after a visit to the dentist. The treatment may temporarily raise the mercury level.

Because more mercury is released from the amalgam fillings during chewing than during 'rest', two samples must be collected during the test: one in 'rest' and one during chewing. Assuming that on average 1 hour is chewed per day and 23 hours is not chewed, this can be done by using. the values ​​found then the daily mercury exposure via the fillings are calculated.

When is it meaningful to perform mercury in salvia?

  • There are complaints that may be (partly) caused by excessive exposure to mercury via the amalgam fillings.
  • Someone wants to find out how strong the mercury exposure is through his / her amalgam fillings.
A mercury load can also play a role in the following conditions:
  • Anemia (anemia)
  • Anorexia
  • High bloodpressure
  • Depression
  • Memory problems
  • Irritability / moodiness
  • Headache
  • Skin problems
  • Gastrointestinal problems / Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Inflamed gums
  • Fatigue
  • Problems with the Fertility
  • Reduced resistance

COMPLEMENTARY TESTS:

  • (trace) elements in blood. The sensitivity of people to mercury differs. The status of the nutrients involved in the detoxification of mercury, in particular those of the trace element selenium, can play a role in this. Measuring the status of these nutrients is therefore also useful.
  • DMPS-test in urine. The DMPS test provides information about the body's load with mercury in general. This means that this substance can bind certain substances (heavy/toxic metals including mercury and lead and certain minerals including zinc, copper and iron).  
  • MELISA test :: the Melisa test verifies the (hereditarily determined) immunological (over) sensitivity of persons for a range of metals / substances (2 packages are available) many of which are used in dental / medical practice (including various mercury compounds) ). Through this test, immunological reactions to mercury and other metals / substances used in the dental / medical practice can be checked. Such a reaction can occur with the substance in question and cause complaints at a relatively low (non-toxic) load.

LITERATURE:

M.R. Werbach. Nutritional Infuences on Illness. A sourcebook of clinical research. Second edition, Third Line Press, Tarzana, California.,1993. 
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