HUGE NEWS: Mercury “Silver Fillings” Are Finally Being Phased Out
Patrick Sullivan Jr. (CEO and Co-founder) has been on the board of ToxicTeeth.org for 19 years working toward a clear mission: end the use of mercury amalgams (commonly called “silver fillings”) in the United States. After years of sustained public pressure and advocacy, it appears we’re finally seeing a turning point.
The truth about “silver fillings”
For over 150 years, dentists have placed what many people believe are “silver” fillings.
But the reality is more complicated: These fillings aren’t actually silver.
They’re mercury amalgams, and they’re made with about 50% elemental mercury.
That matters—because mercury is a known neurotoxin, and it’s one of the most poisonous substances on Earth that isn’t radioactive.
Why mercury in the mouth is a big deal
In most settings, mercury is treated with extreme caution. If a thermometer breaks on the floor, it’s handled with hazmat-level protocols.
And yet, for decades, mercury-based dental materials have been placed right next to the brain.
The concern isn’t theoretical. Every time someone chews or drinks something hot (like coffee), mercury amalgams can release vapors. The FDA has acknowledged that mercury can build up in the brain and kidneys over time.
A major shift: Indian Health Service will ban amalgams by 2027
One of the biggest signals that momentum is changing: the Indian Health Service (IHS) recently announced it will ban mercury amalgams entirely by 2027.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. described the move as a common-sense step, aligning with broader Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities—moving away from cheap, toxic materials in favor of safer alternatives.
This is bigger than individual health
The impact doesn’t stop at the patient level.
When mercury fillings are removed—or when bodies are cremated—mercury can enter the water and soil, contributing to environmental contamination.
By shifting to modern, mercury-free composite materials, the IHS is also taking steps to protect tribal lands and reduce long-term contamination risks.
The bottom line is the medical and dental fields are finally moving toward a standard of care that doesn’t compromise neurological health for the sake of a cheaper repair.
It took close to 20 years of public pressure to get here, but science is finally starting to win over old habits.
