The Australian public's perception of mercury risk from dental restorations

Abstract

The debate about mercury and dental amalgam has been one of the longest running in dentistry, and shows no signs of abating. This study aimed to investigate perceptions about mercury in dental fillings among a representative sample of the Australian public. A random sub-sample of participants in a national dental telephone interview survey completed a follow-up postal questionnaire which included four items on dental mercury. The postal survey response rate was 85.2%. Concern about mercury in dental fillings was expressed by 37.5%, while 16.2% reported having requested fillings that do not contain mercury. Avoidance of dental care because of concern about mercury in fillings was reported by 5.8%, but only 4.7% reported having had fillings replaced because they contained mercury. The data indicate that there is a substantial degree of concern about mercury and dental amalgam among the Australian public, but that the dental behavioural and treatment-pattern consequences of that concern are infrequent.

An overview of the current status of national reporting systems for adverse reactions to dental materials

“…This is demonstrated by an Australian survey, where 37.5% expressed such concerns. 5 When one examines the evidence for the extent to which dental materials may cause adverse reactions then figures vary wildly. The frequency of adverse biological reactions to dental materials in general practice has been reported to be anything from 1:700 to 1:2600.…”

Occupational Health Problems in Modern Dentistry: A Review

“…The greatest exposure to mercury for dentists comes from handling amalgam for restorations, although storage and disposal of amalgam and amalgam capsules also represent important sources of exposure 58) . A recent telephone survey in Australia indicated that just over one-third of the general public remained concerned about mercury in dental fillings 59) , although amalgam containing mercury has been used for more than 150 yr and is generally considered safe in this form 60) . While concerns regarding its systemic toxicity have reduced with decreasing urinary mercury levels detected in dentists over recent years, continuing attention to mercury hygiene, particularly proper amalgam storage, handling and disposal, is essential 13) .…”

Factors associated with amalgam restorations in Taiwan

“…19 As for the public's perception of dental amalgam, 65% of pregnant Finnish women were against dental amalgam during pregnancy 20 and 38% of Australians expressed concern about mercury in amalgam. 21 In Taiwan, both potential health effects of amalgam and peoples' or dentists' attitude towards amalgam are unclear and need further assessment.…”