Green Daily

U.S regulators have caved and admitted that the mercury in dental fillings may indeed have toxic effects on pregnant women's unborn children and young children. The FDA has agreed to post a warning on their website to inform consumers about these dangers to developing brains. This is part of the settlement of a lawsuit brought about by a collection of environmental groups, consumers and state officials.

The American Dental Association said the settlement doesn't mean much since cavities will still be filled with amalgam, "which remains a safe, affordable and durable cavity-filling choice." However, only about 30 percent of cavities filled now are made of amalgam, which are silver-colored, as opposed to tooth-colored composites. Patient advocates had urged the FDA to recommend tooth-colored composite resins, which they say are safer and just as effective.

For more information on amalgam fillings from the American Dental Association, see their list of Frequently Asked Questions here.