Version May 2024
| Association | Background | Current status/advice for patients |
| Dental amalgam (mercury) and systemic disorders | Anecdotes have implicated the mercury in dental amalgam in many systemic illnesses. No data support other than an occasional allergy. Environmental disposal of scrap amalgam is the main issue in trying to reduce its use. | Dental amalgam is safe. Removal of mercury-containing fillings should not be done routinely. |
| Systemic fluoride and systemic disorders | Antifluoridationists contend fluoride causes cancer and other ailments. No data support this contention, but voluminous irrefutable data confirm its anticaries benefit. | Fluoride remains the single most important anticaries tool available. Today, overuse of fluoride is possible, causing fluorosis, so families should be taught the correct amount of fluoridated toothpaste to be used for children of all ages. |
| Toxicity of resins and hormonal interaction | Composite resins are used for sealants and tooth-colored fillings. Some chemical components have been suggested as toxic or hormonal analogues. No human or animal studies support these claims, and only trace amounts leak from resins. | Resin restorations and dental sealants remain safe for children. Bisphenol-A (BPA)-free sealants are available. |
| Orthodontic problems and mouth breathing | This longstanding controversy holds that certain malocclusions arise from excessive tonsil/adenoid tissue, forcing mouth breathing. T&A procedures can help some children, but not all. | Orthodontic malocclusion should not be rationale alone for T&A procedures. |
| Maternal periodontal disease and prematurity and low-birthweight of offspring | Case-control studies have linked maternal periodontal disease with premature and low-birthweight infants. However, randomized trials have not proven that periodontal treatment reduces preterm birth. | Encourage pregnant patients to establish and maintain personal oral health. |
| Dental caries and lead exposure | Recent investigations show a relationship between dental caries and exposure to lead (pica), primarily in poor children. | Poverty brings with it health problems, and at this time, this may be simply a covariable associated with being poor. |
| Cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans and dental diagnosis | The use of CBCT is increasing in dentistry, with few data to support its benefit over lower-radiation imaging. In some cases, such as orthognathic surgery, CBCT may offer better diagnostic images. | Question dentists on radiation dose and need for CBCT for routine dental treatment. |
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