For generations, dentists placed silver-colored fillings in millions of teeth. But behind their familiar appearance lies a controversial ingredient: mercury. Now that Europe has largely phased them out, Americans are asking an uncomfortable question—why are they still permitted in the United States?

For generations, dentists placed silver-colored fillings in millions of teeth. But behind their familiar appearance lies a controversial ingredient: mercury. Now that Europe has largely phased them out, Americans are asking an uncomfortable question—why are they still permitted in the United States?

For more than 150 years, dental amalgam fillings have been a routine part of dentistry. They were affordable, durable, and strong enough to withstand years of chewing. Millions of people grew up with them, often without giving much thought to what those dark metallic patches in their teeth actually contained.

But here’s something that might surprise you.

Those