Below are a few helpful links to various resources regarding dental hygiene. We hope you find these resources to be useful in your personal dental care.

Articles | Dental Web Sites

ARTICLES

FDA
by Michael D. Fleming, DDS
Dr. Fleming is the current Consumer Representative on the Dental Products Panel of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accordingly, he receives many inquiries regarding his opinion on such issues as water fluoridation, dental filling materials, root canals and other important matters affecting the health and well being of Americans. It is important to understand Dr. Fleming’s statements about these issues are his personal opinions only but reflect many years of scientific study and involvement in a number of different public venues. They do not represent the views held by the FDA or any other regulatory body.

Fluoridation Fears
ABC11 Investigates - article by Steve Daniels
For years, cities and towns have added fluoride to water supply. We've been led to believe that fluoride is supposed to make our teeth stronger. But now some scientists are pointing to a growing body of evidence suggesting fluoride could be damaging our teeth, causing cancer and possibly leading to other health problems.

Silver-mercury Amalgam Disclosure and Informed Consent
by Michael D. Fleming, DDS
There is likely not one reader of this publication who is unaware of the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of dental amalgam. The dental profession continues to debate the safety and effectiveness of a material that has served dentistry’s restorative needs for the better part of two centuries. However, consumer and regulatory pressure to eliminate mercury-containing products from dentistry, medicine, and the environment is at an all-time high. This makes it an entirely appropriate time to talk frankly about an issue that has too long plagued the profession.

Dental Amalgams and CFIDS: Harmless Fillings — or Toxic Concern?
By Michael D. Fleming, DDS
Are dental amalgams bad for your health? The debate continues to rage about the mixed-metal tooth fillings, which contain mercury and other potentially toxic substances. The topic is of particular interest to people with CFIDS, who are searching for relief from the multitude of symptoms they face every day. The American Dental Association (ADA) states unequivocally that amalgam fillings are safe, since the mercury is made stable when mixed with other materials. Although other materials are now available for fillings, the ADA says that amalgams still play a role in modern dentistry — and should not be removed simply out of unfounded concern over the presence of mercury. Yet not all medical professionals are convinced. Michael Fleming, DDS, writes that amalgam removal cannot promise miracles — but should not be completely rejected, either.

Second Opinion
By Michael D. Fleming, DDS
Health professionals enjoy a very high level of confidence among consumers. Studies indicate your dentist is one of the most trusted of health care providers. However, there may be occasions when you will want to secure a second opinion. This is especially true if you feel uncertain about the treatment being proposed. There are a number of very good reasons you may wish to seek additional advice and counsel before entering into what could be expensive, and perhaps even unnecessary dental treatment.

DENTAL WEB SITES

Academy of General Dentistry
The mission of the Academy of General Dentistry is to serve the needs and to represent the interests of general dentists and to foster their continued proficiency through quality continuing dental education in order to better serve the public.

American Dental Association
The ADA is the professional association of dentists dedicated to serving both the public and the profession of dentistry. The ADA promotes the public's health through commitment of member dentists to provide quality oral health care, accessible to everyone.

International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
The IAOMT is a network of dental, medical and research professionals who seek to raise the standards of scientific biocompatibility in the dental practice with information from the latest interdisciplinary research.