A 32-year-old member asked:
Can amalgam fillings be the cause for a bacterial mouth infection?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Thomas Davisanswered
Dentistry 38 years experience
Infection: Not to my knowledge. But if a tooth had a old amalgam filling broken down and was not able to be properly cleaned, bacteria in the mouth could colonize and cause a problem.
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Dr. Jeffrey Jarvisanswered
Dentistry 39 years experience
No: Amalgam fillings, or even white composite fillings, are not the cause for a bacterial mouth infection. Inadequate oral hygiene is usually the cause, but you should see a dentist to rule out some other conditions, someof which can be serious. Call today.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Douglas commented
Orthodontics 53 years experience
Quite the opposite, the silver amalgam contains copper witch has a bacteriostatic effect.
Jan 8, 2017
Dr. Thomas Stelmachanswered
41 years experience
Yes: Amalgam fillings universally leak. The interface between an amalgam filling and tooth is purely mechanical. There is no chemical seal. Bacteria are very small and are able to use the junction to gain access to the deeper part of your dentin. The only thing that hinders the bacteria is the poison form the mercury. Once that leaches out into your system the bacteria have a heyday.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Neil McLeodanswered
Prosthodontics 51 years experience
NO! you're off track: Amalgam fillings are just one kind of restorative material that we use to help our patients and to replace missing tooth structure. The material itself does not cause infection. Infection is by definition the presence of a contaminating disease causing organism that interacts with the body. This is what you need to take care of. Please see a good dentist!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 8, 2017
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