Dental amalgam fillings
Dental amalgam is silver- coloured material, commonly used to fill teeth that have decay. It's a mixture of mercury and other metals. The use of dental amalgam in children under 15 years old and pregnant or breastfeeding women is restricted, unless the dentist thinks it's necessary.
Dental amalgam restrictions
Dentists will often use different techniques and materials but in some circumstances dental amalgam is still the best filling material to use.
Your dentist and their team will be able to explain the options for you or your child.
Children under 15 years old
If a child under 15 years old does need a filling your dentist can use other materials. These include tooth-coloured fillings or preformed (stainless steel) crowns.
In some situations dental amalgam is the only suitable material.
Your dentist might advise that an amalgam filling is in the best interest of your child and will explain the reasons for this.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
While you are pregnant your dentist will advise postponing any treatment unless it is urgent, for example, if you are in pain.
Pregnant women should avoid any unnecessary medical or dental treatment to minimise any possible risks to the developing baby unless it is really urgent.
If you need a filling when pregnant or breastfeeding, there are materials other than dental amalgam that your dentist can use in the interim until the full range of treatments are available.
Your dentist will discuss the amalgam alternatives with you to agree on the best option.
Amalgam fillings you already have
If you already have amalgam fillings, there is no evidence to suggest that these are harmful to you or indirectly to a baby’s or infant’s health.
Unless your amalgam fillings are broken or there is further decay, and urgent treatment is required, your dentist will not remove or replace them.
Preventing tooth decay
The best way to reduce the need for any type of filling is to prevent tooth decay by:
- reducing sugar-containing food and drinks, particularly at bedtime
- brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least last thing at night, and another time during the day, your dentist can advise on toothpaste strength and quantity
- visiting your dentist regularly, taking your children from a very early age
Further advice on looking after your teeth and gums is available at: