International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology is formally chartered as a Canadian non-profit corporation, representing dental, medical and research professionals who advocate mercury-free dentistry, the safe removal of mercury dental fillings, and improved standards for dental practices. THe IAOMT North American office is located in ChampionsGate, Florida, U.S.A. with international chapters in a dozen countries.

Mission statement

The fundamental mission of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology is to promote the health of the public at large. Essentially, the Academy shall continually examine and compile scientific research relating to the biocompatibility of oral/dental materials. This agenda should ensure a more informed use of these materials in clinical practice. Within these confines, the Academy shall:
*Accumulate and disseminate SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION;
*Promote RELEVANT RESEARCH and EDUCATION;
*Promote FUNDING for relevant research;
*Promote EDUCATION of the public, professional organizations, and other groups, by providing SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION;
*Promote NON-INVASIVE SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND therapies;
*Provide ADVISORY SERVICES if/when required.

Dental amalgams

According to the IAOMT, potential health risks associated with mercury amalgams include:

* Mercury's links to neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease and autism
* Harm to unborn babies
* Vulnerability to toxicity, particularly among vulnerable pregnant women and young children
* Greater exposure to the effects of mercury due to chewing and drinking beverages
* Interaction with other metals and dental materials that increases risks

Dr. Boyd Haley, a University of Kentucky chemistry professor and chairman of IAOMT's Scientific Advisory Board, also points out that a recent study found 85 percent of dentists already display a mercury-related biological impairment.

afe removal of amalgam fillings

The mercury-free dentists represented by IAOMT cite the potential for excess exposure to mercury when removing amalgam fillings as a serious concern for dental practitioners, some of whom have devised various strategies for reducing the amount of mercury exposure for both patients and dental staff during the removal of mercury fillings.

Opposition to FDA's position

In September 2006, in response to a vote by two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panels to reject an FDA staff white paper on the safety of mercury-based dental fillings, the IAOMT has formally requested an expanded review of current science on dental mercury amalgams, a firm date for a hearing on the matter, and assurance that the full range of health issues arising from the use of mercury fillings is assessed. By a 13-7 margin, representatives from two FDA committees (meeting as a joint panel) rejected the FDA's white paper as insufficiently representative of current science on the health risks associated with what most consumers are told are 'silver fillings', but which are actually about half mercury by weight.

Fluoridation of drinking water

The IAOMT has made several preliminary reviews of the toxicological data on fluoride, each time concluding that neither fluoridation of public drinking water supplies, nor fluoride prescriptions (as controlled-dose supplements), deliver any discernible health benefits; rather, the IAOMT found that fluoridation increases the incidence of adverse health effects.

ee also

* Consumers for Dental Choice
* Dental amalgam controversy

External links

* [http://www.IAOMT.org IAOMT.org] - International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology homepage
* [http://www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam/iaomt.txt HolisticMed.com] - 'Protocol for Mercury/Silver Filling Removal', IOAMT
* [http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=72425 USNewsWire.com] - 'Expanded FDA Review Sought into Safety of Mercury/Silver Dental Fillings', IAOMT (September 14 2006)