The Problems With Outdated Oral Care

Some regions in the world, especially in low and middle class communities, receive no oral care or primitive versions of it. One of the most common examples of this issue is dental amalgam restorations. Dental amalgam restorations are a compound of mercury and sliver-based alloys. Mercury had been widely used in dental restorations for about 150 years, until recently in the few past decades when mercury was deemed a toxic material for humans and a contaminant for the environment. However, there are efforts to at least "phase out" the use of this out-dated material and replace it with another material that is as effective and inexpensive. Parts of the body mercury can damage include: kidney, central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Some countries like Norway, Denmark and Sweden have banned mercury amalgam due to its danger to the human body. The European Union plans to ban dental amalgam for children and pregnant women in 2018. The alternative to dental amalgam is composite resin. It is and composed of an acrylic resin reinforced with powered glass filler. Not only is it safe to human health, it is also white and resembles natural tooth color well.

Sources: WHO Oral Health Report, 2003