Methylation of mercury from dental amalgam and mercuric chloride by oral streptococci in vitro.

Author: Heintze U, Edwardsson S, Derand T, Birkhed D.

Source: Scand J Dent Res.

Year: 1983

Comment:

This study finds that certain types of oral bacteria can result in methylation of mercury in the mouth.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“The capacity of the oral bacteria Streptococcus mitior, S. mutans and S. sanguis to methylate mercury was investigated in vitro. Mercuric chloride and pulverized dental amalgam in distilled water, respectively, were used as sources of mercury. Methylmercury was found in the bacterial cells of all three tested strains. The results indicate that organic mercury compounds may be formed in the oral cavity.”

Citation:

Heintze U, Edwardsson S, Derand T, Birkhed D.  Methylation of mercury from dental amalgam and mercuric chloride by oral streptococci in vitro. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 1983; 91(2):150-152.