Dental Health & Wellness Resource Center

Understanding the Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness

At Dental Arts & Wellness, we believe your oral health is an important part of your overall well-being. Our approach to dentistry considers the connection between your mouth, your body, and your long-term health.

This resource center provides educational information on dental materials, oral bacteria, gum health, and the growing understanding of the oral-systemic connection. Our goal is to help you become an informed partner in your dental care and make decisions that are right for your individual needs. Contact us to learn how we can support your oral and overall health.

Why the FDA and WHO No Longer Support Mercury Dental Fillings

Over the past decade, the use of mercury-based dental amalgam has seen a significant decline. Neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor the World Health Organization (WHO) currently promotes dental amalgam as a preferred restorative material, while major dental manufacturers have largely discontinued its production.

Reflecting this shift, the Indian Health Service has announced plans to eliminate amalgam use across its facilities by 2027, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has encouraged state Medicaid programs to begin phasing out coverage for amalgam fillings in favor of alternative materials.

This growing shift reflects increased interest in mercury-free and tooth-colored restorative options. At Dental Arts & Wellness, we understand that patients may have questions about existing amalgam fillings and available alternatives. Our practice offers safe mercury removal and takes a personalized approach when discussing restorative options with patients.

Considering Your Options for Mercury Fillings?

If you have questions about existing amalgam fillings or are interested in mercury-free restorative options, our team can discuss your concerns and help you understand the choices available to you.

Oral Bacteria Can Drive Breast Cancer Progression

A new 2026 study adds to growing research exploring the relationship between oral bacteria and overall health. Researchers found that certain oral bacteria commonly associated with gum disease may contribute to breast cancer progression.

The researchers found that these bacteria can colonize breast tumors, enter cancer cells, cause DNA damage, and promote tumor growth and spread. The effects appeared to be particularly significant in BRCA1-mutant breast cancer cells.

While research in this area is still developing, these findings add to growing evidence that oral health and overall health are closely connected. This research supports the biological dentistry approach, which recognizes that inflammation, oral bacteria, and microbiome imbalances in the mouth may impact systems throughout the body.

Maintaining healthy gums, managing periodontal disease, and supporting a balanced oral microbiome are important steps not only for oral health, but also for overall wellness. As science continues to uncover the oral-systemic connection, preventive dental care remains an important part of whole-body health.

Your Mouth Is Part of Your Whole-Body Health

At Dental Arts & Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to dental care. We consider more than your teeth alone, recognizing the important relationship between oral health, gum health, inflammation, and overall wellness.

Our goal is to provide personalized care while helping you understand your treatment options and take an active role in your oral health.

Explore a More Comprehensive Approach to Dental Care

Whether you're interested in preventive care, periodontal health, mercury-free restorative options, or learning more about the connection between oral and overall health, our team is here to help. Contact us to learn how we can support your oral and overall health.

Why the FDA and WHO No Longer Support Mercury Dental Fillings



Over the past decade, the use of mercury-based dental amalgam has declined significantly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO) have both provided guidance regarding dental amalgam, while the dental industry has increasingly moved toward alternative restorative materials.

This shift reflects growing interest in mercury-free and tooth-colored restorative options. The Indian Health Service has announced plans to eliminate amalgam use across its facilities by 2027, while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has encouraged state Medicaid programs to consider transitioning coverage toward alternative filling materials.

At Dental Arts & Wellness, we understand that patients may have questions about existing amalgam fillings and their available alternatives. Our practice offers safe mercury removal and takes a personalized approach when discussing restorative options with patients.