In the world of dentistry, amalgam fillings—those silver-gray restorations containing mercury—have long been touted as safe and effective, yet my experiences in dental school and early practice revealed a darker side to this narrative. This post delves into the hazards of mercury exposure, from its toxic effects on health to environmental risks, drawing from my personal story of being "programmed" not to question amalgam use. I'll explore how educators employed subtle manipulation techniques to enforce compliance, and extend this discussion to broader societal influences, including common tactics such as appeal to authority and fearmongering that shape opinions in politics, advertising, journalism, and even public health crises like COVID-19. By examining these tactics, I uncover how blind consensus can stifle critical thinking and endanger lives.
Read MoreThe European Union's decision to ban mercury dental fillings (amalgams) by January 2025 marks a significant step in public health and environmental safety. Justin Silverman covered some aspects of the ban in The New York Times on September 17, 2024, in an article called Mercury Dental Fillings and a New E. U. Ban. The author mentioned that removing mercury-containing fillings would cause further mercury toxicity. However, he neglected to tell readers that mercury-containing fillings, called amalgams, can be safely removed, leaving readers to believe they are stuck with their fillings. I will cover the ban, provide information on amalgams, explain the reasons for removing them, and explain how to do it safely.
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