01/17/2026
Long before modern dentistry, doctors noticed something strange happening to hat makers.
They used mercury to treat felt-and over time, many developed neurological symptoms so severe it inspired the term “Mad Hatter.” This is where the character from Alice in Wonderland comes from!
What surprises many people is that mercury is still used today in dental amalgam fillings. While not everyone with amalgams has a problem, mercury is a known neurotoxin, and patients deserve to understand their options.
The good news? If mercury fillings are being removed, it can be done safely. Dentists trained in the SMART protocol use specific protective measures to reduce mercury exposure during removal.
Knowing the history helps us ask better questions-and reminds us that safer, more thoughtful dentistry matters.
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