Maternal Blood Mercury Concentration and Infant Weight

Birth weight is a strong determinant of attained weight at early ages. Until now, many studies have reported that low birth weight corresponds with high mercury levels. However, the relationship between mercury exposure and attained weight of infant has not been well studied.

Therefore, the aim of a recent study was to assess the degree of prenatal exposure to mercury by measuring the total mercury levels in maternal and cord blood, and examine the relationship between the mercury level during pregnancy and the attained weight of infant during the first 24 months of life.

The prospective cohort study of Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) was built up in 2006, and 921 mother–infant pairs were recruited. Information on the socio-demographic characteristics, health behavior and environmental exposure were collected from an interview with trained nurses.

After delivery, infants and mothers were followed up at 6, 12 and 24 months and the weights of the infants were measured.

The mercury concentrations in the late maternal blood (β=−0.19. p=0.05) and cord blood (β=−0.36. p=0.01) were negatively associated with the infants' attained weight over the first 24 months of age.

The infants' attained weight in the small for their gestational age (SGA) group was lower than the normal birth weight group at the highest quartile of the mercury level.

Therefore, efforts should be made to reduce the mercury level in the maternal blood at late pregnancy and cord blood.

Further research on the possible harmful effects of prenatal mercury exposure on postnatal growth is recommended.

See pdf report on Mercury and Infant weight >>>

Latest Office News

I would like to share with you some exciting developments in our office. I recently became accredited by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). IAOMT is dedicated in advancing safe and biologically compatible dentistry. Some of our Biologically Safe Dental services include:
1. Safe removal of mercury filling protocol.
2. Biocompatible metal free restorations
3. Laser/ O3 treatment as an adjunct modality for gum disease, tooth decay and treatment of jaw bone infections.

I am also a fellow of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics (FICCMO), graduate of LVI, graduate of Occlusal Studies in Neuromuscular Orthodontics, training in Osteopathic Cranial Techniques, and Chirodontics. I also have many years of experience in treating TMJ/TMD patients.

In addition to ceiling mounted TV's with headphones, Nitrous Oxide, Oral Conscious Sedation, we have added Alpha Stim technology for the comfort of our patients. Alpha Stim is a totally harmless FDA approved technology that promotes drug free relaxation. Recently we had a 5 year old patient in our office who had a very deep cavity. We turned on the ceiling TV to her favorite cartoon, and put the Alpha Stim on her ear lobes. Without any anesthesia, we were able to completely take care of her deep cavity as she giggled while watching her cartoon.
Also being a graduate of LVI, Esthetic Dentistry residency, and trained in Cerec Technology, I have over 20 years of experience in esthetic dentistry, smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction that has given me the pleasure of creating many happy, healthy, beautiful smiles.