The letter by Dr JS regarding mercury amalgam fillings as published in the New Straits Times is indeed timely. Amalgam fillings have been banned in Europe many years ago but it is still conveniently being used by dentists here as if it does not matter.

Consumers may or may not be aware of the toxic effects of mercury fillings but many still leave it to the prudent decision of the attending dentists assuming that they should know better.

Perhaps this notion is wrong as dentists seem to be ignorant of what goes on in the scientific world. Are dentists scientifically trained in the first place? Many dentists in Malaysia seriously lack a medical mind that I sometimes think they don't even deserve being called 'doctors'.

The fact that dentists continue to use such highly toxic materials in the mouth of patients clearly needs to be condemned with full vigor.

According to published reports here are some of its toxic effects:

- Chronic fatigue syndrome and lack of energy
- Tendency to chronic inflammatory changes including rheumatoid arthritis, phlebitis, and fibromyalgia
- Chronic neurological illnesses especially when numbness is one of the leading symptoms
- Lowering of pain threshold
- Disturbances of the immune system

Other symptoms produced by mercury amalgam fillings are:

- Allergy
- Anxiety
- Bad temper
- Bloating
- Blood pressure problems
- Chest pains
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Intestinal problems
- Gum problems
- Headaches
- Irregular heartbeat
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Memory loss
- Metallic taste
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle tremor

Having understood the above I can confidently say that Malaysian dentists are committing a serious crime by perpetuating the above diseases with their continued use of these fillings. I can only blame the dentists and the powers that behold this so-called profession.

What is the so-called dental council doing about this? And the dental association? Why have they all been silent about all this? Do they have something to hide? Perhaps the dental suppliers have been behind this silent crime.

Somebody has to stop this rot. I have also come to know that there are dentists running dental supply companies along with their dental practice. Some of these dentists-cum-traders even hold posts in the dental council. Indirectly they have vested interests in the continued supply of their products to the health ministry and to the private sector.

We cannot blame the health minister for this gross negligence on the part of dentists with their continued use of these highly toxic and dangerous materials in human mouths. The minister is not a scientist or a medically trained person to know what is good and what is bad. He is a political appointee. He needs continued guidance and advice by the people concerned.

I for one will never encourage my children to take up dentistry. If dentists can continue committing this serious crime of propagating disease just for the sake of making money then frankly I consider this profession a sham!

I request the health minister to act immediately in the interest of the Malaysian public. Please ban the use of amalgam fillings.