Oral galvanism, amalgam disease, or Galvanic shock was a term for the association of oral or systemic symptoms to either: electric currents between metal in dental restorations and electrolytes in saliva or dental pulp.[1][2][3] Any existence of galvanic pain or association of either currents or mercury to presence of symptoms has been disproven.[2][1] Beyond acute allergic reaction amalgam has not been found to be associated with any adverse effects.[4]
| Oral galvanism | |
|---|---|
| dental electro-galvanism, amalgam disease | |
| Pseudomedical diagnosis | |
| Risks | Nocebo |
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Dental amalgam controversy. (Discuss) Proposed since July 2024. |
Very weak currents have been measured in the mouth of those with multiple dental fillings consisting of different alloys, but there was no association between presence of current and symptoms,[1] and any symptoms associated with currents between oral fillings are likely to be psychosomatic in nature.[2] No association between presence of mercury and symptoms have been found, with symptoms likely to be psychosomatic in nature and do not improve with chelation therapy.[1][3][5] Claims of causing a variety of symptoms such as oral discomfort, skin irritation, headaches and a metallic taste in the mouth have been discredited.[1]
The condition was originally proposed in 1878,[6] and became well known in Sweden during the 1970s and 80s, because of a campaign to educate about and replace oral amalgam fillings with mercury with other compounds such as ceramic or polymer restorations.[1]
See also
References
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