| 2006N-0352 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| FDA Comment Number : | EC37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Submitter : | Mr. J. Michael Bryan | Date & Time: | 09/05/2006 11:09:45 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Organization : | Mr. J. Michael Bryan | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category : | Individual Consumer | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issue Areas/Comments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| GENERAL | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| GENERAL | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| I write to express my great concern about some
unenlightened policies of the FDA regarding mercury in dental fillings. Years ago, mercury thermometers were pulled off the market because of the risk posed by exposure to mercury when a thermometer broke. We have been warned repeatedly about mercury's toxic effects, and consider it unsafe to swim in water contaminated with mercury. But yet millions of us have only recently learned that we go through our lives with mouthfuls of mercury. 'Silver' fillings are not really silver, are they? Nor do they remain completely encapsulated for a lifetime. Why should I assume that when my fillings break down, they are not releasing mercury into my mouth, and eventually into my body? Obviously I cannot assume that any more. I'm 47 years old and have only recently been diagnosed with ADHD. Because we know mercury is deleterious to the health of our nervous system (including our brain), it follows that the mercury that dentists began putting in my malformed teeth when I was a young child may have made its way over the years to various places in my body, causing known and unknown problems, possibly including ADHD. In my judgment, there's no way dentists or anyone else should be allowed NOT to disclose to their patients the fact that they're putting mercury, a known neurotoxic substance, into their mouths. Secondly, even alcoholic drinks carry warnings regarding consumption by pregnant women, and it's illegal for a minor to purchase or drink alcoholic bevarages. Why, then, should dentists be allowed to implant potential ongoing sources of mercury, (again, a known neurotoxin), into children's and pregnant women's teeth? Obviously they should not! Thirdly, the fact that 'we've done it for years' doesn't mean it's okay or acceptable or safe to use mercury | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| fillings. For years, backyard and other mechanics poured
their used motor oil into the ground. As far as they knew, there was no problem with that. After all, 'that's what we've always done with it.' But we found out it actually does cause problems for not only the environment, but also for us when we drink water that has been contaminated with that oil. That practice became illegal when we found out it was dangerous. So should the practice of intentionally putting a source of mercury (a known neurotoxin) into people's mouths. Finally, dentists should not be the final authority on whether mercury (or any other substance) is safe for our brains, kidneys, or other organs or systems. Trained scientists need to determine that, and research scientists need to come up with alternative substances substances to fill cavities. Actually, they have already done that. Dentists just need to 'get with the program,' and not continue to use the same methods and substances they have always used, just because it's what they know how to use. What if someone needed surgery, but their skin was covered with an unknown sticky substance? Would hospitals be allowed to use gasoline to clean the patient's skin before the surgery just because 'it works'? I think not. By the same token, you need to use the information available NOW to make decisions regarding mercury in dental fillings. Everyone playing any role in this issue is an intelligent person. Please, please, don't allow issues of politics or convenience or power prevent the appropriate and intelligent revision of policies based upon current information about mercury and its dangers. Thank you for your consideration J. Michael Bryan 906 Jeremy Lane Panama City, FL 32405 850-913-8340 michael@worshippartners.com | |||