Episode #51: Do I need to worry about mercury from metal fillings while breastfeeding?

One of the most widely known recommendations for women while pregnant is to avoid eating fish due to the mercury content. But what about amalgam fillings? Today's question is posed by Emily, a concerned mother who wants to know if her breast milk is safe for her baby to drink because of the metal fillings she has. Join us to find out why Dr. B has both a short and a long answer to today's question, and why he believes that it is safe for Emily to be breastfeeding. We hear all about the forms of mercury that are present in our environment, and which are the most dangerous to our health. Dr. B explains why he doesn't use metal fillings anymore, and why getting them removed during pregnancy or breastfeeding is an absolute no-no. We also hear a list of things that contain mercury that we can absorb and the test that Dr. B recommends to quantify your mercury levels. For all this, and so much more, tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:How wildfires made Dr. B think about the functional approach to dentistry [0:01:48]A different definition of functional dentistry from a fellow functional dentist [0:02:40]The short answer as to why Emily shouldn’t worry [0:07:25]Why Dr. B stopped using metal fillings [0:14:16]Mercury in human milk and why fillings won’t affect the baby [0:15:29]Why you shouldn't get an amalgam filling removed during pregnancy and the procedures that protect you if one is essential [0:23:56]A summary of today’s episode [0:32:28]How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Eat, Sleep, Breathe Oral Health: Why your mouth mattersA Link to an Article on Dr. B's Favorite FillingLinks to Studies on Mercury in Breast MilkMercury and Lead During Breast-feeding1990 German Study Showing No Correlation Between Number of Fillings/Surface Area and Fetal Mercury Levels 2017 Paper on The Replacement of Amalgam Fillings Increasing the Transfer of Mercury to Baby  SMART Member Listings on the IAOMTMercury Tri-Test and Blood Metals PanelMercury Fillings Dangers, Who Is At Risk & Removal ChecklistAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk DrCheck Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!! Check out Dr. B's website for more information: https://askthedentist.com Subscribe to Dr. B's newsletter Mondays with Mark: https://askthedentist.com/newsletter