DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 62-year-old female. I have no major health problems, but I do get stiff and sore occasionally. Sometimes I can go a few days with little pain and others it will be really bad. It usually happens after sitting for a while. Could it be arthritis? Is there any possibility (please don’t laugh) that it could be from the mercury in my fillings? I worry that the cause of the pain and stiffness could be poisoning my body.
DEAR READER:
I believe that your pain is caused by age-related osteoarthritis. Given the fact that it comes and goes, I do not blame any possible mercury in your fillings as the culprit.
The issue of mercury-induced illness from old fillings has, to my knowledge, been largely ruled out. Some consumers remain skeptical, however. Mercury can be very dangerous, primarily in those people exposed to moderate amounts regularly. Because a tooth filling is relatively small and contains very minimal amounts, I don’t believe you should be worried. If you are still concerned, visit an oral surgeon who can explain about older fillings. He or she should also be able to remove them and replace them with safer, modern material.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Understanding Osteoarthritis”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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