''In 1859 the lay dentists banded together and formed the ADA (American Dental Association) promoting mercury amalgam fillings as safe. They refused membership and blackballed any doctor or dentist who opposed mercury fillings.''
History Unravels Why the FDA Would Think Mercury Fillings are Harmless
"The [mercury] levels released by dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm in patients."[1a] So says the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Three months ago they declared mercury fillings safe not only for healthy adults but also children and pregnant women.
Endless scientific research says otherwise. In high doses, mercury damages the brain, lungs and kidneys.[2] More common symptoms include nerve damage, skin discoloration, swelling, accelerated heartbeat, high blood pressure, hair loss, rashes, muscle weakness, memory impairment and insomnia.
Why then would the FDA claim that placing mercury in your mouth – where you take in air, food and water – will do no harm? A brief look at the short history of so-called "modern" dentistry provides some shocking answers…
Dentistry Began With Barbers and Blacksmiths
A couple hundred years ago we left the pulling and filling of teeth to hair-cutters and horseshoers. Barbers already worked with heads — where troublesome teeth could be found. And the blacksmith's skill with molten metal came in handy for filling cavities.
“Problems with your teeth? I'll fix you up – soon as I’m done shoeing this horse. "
Dental work proved an easy and profitable profession. Nothing like a customer in extreme pain with no one else to turn to. Many blacksmiths and barbers decided to specialize in teeth (with no medical training) and became the first dentists. http://www.newswithviews.com/Dean/carolyn105.htm