Mercury Poisoning
Mercury vapor is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and can easily cross the lung into the blood. Once in the bloodstream the mercury vapor enters the cells where it is activated. In this active state, it attaches itself to sulfur containing enzymes. 

Enzymes, specialized chemical molecules in the cell, make chemical reactions occur by bringing together other molecules so that they can react with each other. Without enzymes, there would not be life as we know it, since the random collision of molecules would notbe sufficiently frequent or ordered to produce metabolism and energy .Mercury's primary mode of action is as an enzyme poison and the net effect is metabolic sickness. 

Allergy

1. Eczema and sores on the face and shoulders 
2. Burning and dry mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue and mucosa, and malaise or fever. 

Mercury can. Induce Autoimmunity 

Removing the source of chronic mercury exposure is a positive healthy choice, because it eliminates a toxic heavy metal burden from your body's chemistry. It is not a proven cure for any specific disease other than mercury poisoning. 

Idiosyncratic Reactions 
Mercury, more toxic than lead or arsenate, can cause cell death or irreversible chemical damage to cells well before visible symptoms occur. 

TEST 
Blood and Urine Mercury Levels 
Mercury is found in blood, urine, and hair 
The high urinary level suggest the possibility of a recent large exposure or alternatively the tissue release of stored mercury. Low urinary mercury reflects that the mercury is in the tissue and is unavailable for uninary excretion. 

DMPS Challenge Test 
Involves urine mercury analysis before and after a challenge with a chelation drug that helps the body to liberate stored mercury. 

Faecal Mercury
Most accurate method of assessing the extent of mercury exposure, since the largest portion of mercury is excreted via the intestinal route in bile. 

Mixing Metals in the Mouth 
First, dissimilar metals have an electrical link to each other by the saliva. For example gold will attract electrons from the components of mercury fillings, causing corrosion. The electrical currents produced can have serious effects on mouth tissue such as blistering, burning mouth and bleeding gums. 

What Material is Best for you 
The need to assess the suitability, safety and biocompatibility of restorative materials prior to placement has been widely recognized. The ability to measure the presence of a toxic material is often difficult, and even if detected, the amount of the toxic material needed to provoke an adverse reaction varies from individual to individual. When the human body encounters a toxic or noxious substance, the immune system generally produces a defense against it by making specific antibodies to the offending material. The presence of the antibodies can be tested and used as an indicator system, helping to detect exposure even when the toxic substance itself is impossible to measure. 

One such test is the Clifford Materials Reactivity Test. Clifford Consulting and Research, box 17597, Colorado Springs, Co., 80935; ph(719-550-0008). This test may be useful as a risk assessment tool to help the dentist or physician select appropriate dental materials, especially in the environmentally compromised or highly allergic patient. This is the only test of its kind that has received provisional approval of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. 

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