Wow! Just WOW! I happened up on an article about a man who suffered “erethism”, from effects of mercury poisoning, from removal of mercury amalgam dental fillings.
Mercury is a heavy metal that’s found in the earth’s crust. It’s toxic to people, so even low levels of exposure can cause health problems.
Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic mercury poisoning. This may be called mad hatter disease or mad hatter syndrome. This led me on a deeper dive about the subject based on my own experience, too!
“Mad hatter disease causes severe neurological effects known as erethism. It can lead to symptoms like headaches, behavioral changes, and weakness.”
(It is called “mad hatter” disease because hat makers in the 18th-20th centuries used a mercury nitrite solution to form and stiffen felt hats.)
In my late 30’s and early 40’s I had a number of mercury amalgam fillings from childhood, some of which had eroded, replaced with newer composite fillings. My mother had been very conscientious about our biannual dental exams when I was growing up. And unlike my younger siblings my teeth seemed particularly susceptible to dental cavities, hence quite a few mercury amalgam fillings in the late ‘50s and ‘60s.
I do not recall ever having a conversation about the risk of replacing the mercury fillings. I had dental insurance. The work seemed to be necessary and routine. And it was done. This occurred during the timeframe when Bill and I were relocating to Florida.
I had work done by four dentists over the course of several years- one in Montgomery, another in PC, a third when my PC dentist retired and sold his practice, then a fourth when the dentist who bought that practice moved it to the next county a year or so later. It was the fourth dentist who, on my second or third visit, observed a dark spot under my tongue and immediately referred me to an oral surgeon. There was concern I might have melanoma. After surgical excision and pathology examination, it was found to be deposited mercury amalgam filling in the floor of my mouth under my tongue. I was relieved.
My relief, it seems, was perhaps premature! It was during those years that I experienced depression and not very long after that I experienced a psychotic break. All of it was traumatic and took a couple of years to get beyond. There were some legitimate reasons, I believe, for my emotional vulnerability during those years and, no doubt, I
benefited from the counseling I got.
Today when I read this article on the risks associated with use of and removal of mercury amalgam fillings, I nearly gasped out loud…….
“For decades, silver-colored dental fillings—technically known as amalgam fillings—have been the go-to solution for cavities. But what many people don’t realize is that these “silver” fillings contain up to 50% mercury by weight, a heavy metal with well-documented toxic effects on human health. Despite mounting scientific evidence and growing global concern, millions still carry mercury in their mouths, often unaware of the silent damage it may be causing.”
Among those listed at risk of mercury poisoning from such fillings are:
Children under age 15 ✅
Bruxers (people who grind teeth) ✅
Older people who have had amalgam fillings for a long time ✅
Those exposed to excess EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies) COULD THAT INCLUDE CELLPHONES, which also began in that timeframe?? ✅
Even just chewing, drinking hot liquids, and even brushing your teeth may slightly increase the mercury released into your body. ✅
“Mercury is one of the most toxic elements on the planet. It crosses the blood-brain barrier, lodges in tissues, and accumulates over time. Once in the body, it disrupts mitochondrial function, increases oxidative stress, impairs detoxification pathways, and causes widespread inflammation…….
HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MERCURY FILLINGS:
Neurological symptoms: brain fog, memory issues, anxiety, depression, tremors
Cognitive decline and dementia: chronic mercury exposure has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. (including, mood changes and psychosis!!)
Cancer risk: mercury contributes to oxidative DNA damage, impairs immune surveillance, and disrupts mitochondrial function—all of which may contribute to the development and progression of certain cancers.
Immune dysfunction: autoimmunity, chronic infections, hypersensitivities
Hormonal imbalances: thyroid dysfunction, adrenal stress, reproductive issues
Digestive problems: candida overgrowth, leaky gut, dysbiosis
Fatigue and mitochondrial dysfunction
Cardiovascular risk due to increased oxidative stress
Studies have even shown a correlation between the number of amalgam fillings and mercury levels in the brain and kidneys.”
In my late 30’s and early to mid-40’s, I had a hysterectomy, gall bladder removal, an anomalous benign nodule in a lung, onset of arthritis, multiple kidney stones, a renal cyst, onset of hypertension, fatigue so severe it required a comprehensive cardiac work up including catheterization, migraine headaches, UTIs and on one occasion I was diagnosed on the verge of kidney failure. Most of that has been resolved in my health in the last 15-30 years, except the hypertension.
More recently I have had a partial thyroid removal due to large nodules, as well. My new primary care provider here has expressed concern both times I’ve seen him about my reduced kidney function. I am having to get records from my years in PC from a nephrologist I consulted during those years.
Can it be that some of us of my generation bear the weight now of symptoms resulting from what was considered “good” and conscientious dental care as children, teens, and young adults??
WOW! Just WOW!
CBB. 10/13/25