Dental Amalgam and Children's Brain Function
Author Information
Author(s): David C. Bellinger, David Daniel, Felicia Trachtenberg, Mary Tavares, Sonja McKinlay
Primary Institution: New England Research Institutes
Hypothesis
Does exposure to mercury from dental amalgam affect children's neuropsychological function?
Conclusion
Children exposed to mercury from dental amalgam did not show significant differences in neuropsychological function compared to those treated with mercury-free materials.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean urinary mercury concentration was higher in the amalgam group.
- Few significant differences were found in neuropsychological test scores between the two groups.
- The study included a large sample size of 534 children.
Takeaway
The study looked at kids who got fillings made of mercury and those who got fillings without it, and found that both groups did about the same on brain tests.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial comparing neuropsychological function in children treated with dental amalgam versus composite materials over 5 years.
Potential Biases
Participants and dentists were not blinded to treatment assignment, which could introduce bias.
Limitations
The follow-up period may have been too short to detect long-term effects, and children with preexisting conditions were excluded.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6-10, primarily non-Hispanic white, with a mix of urban and rural backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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