Are Metals in Your Mouth Making You Sick? A Closer Look at Metal Allergy in Dentistry
When I traveled to Istanbul this spring for the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) global conference, I expected to learn, connect, and reaffirm the science behind what we already practice daily in our office. What I didn’t expect was how much new clarity I’d gain around one growing issue: metal allergy in dentistry.
As a biological dentist, I’ve long been cautious about the materials we place in the mouth. But what I encountered at this year’s IAOMT meeting further validated what many patients already suspect—there is often a direct, measurable link between dental materials and systemic symptoms.
What Is the IAOMT?
The IAOMT is a global network of dentists, physicians, and scientists committed to biological and environmental dental practices. For over 40 years, they’ve been at the forefront of research on mercury-free dentistry, fluoride safety, cavitational lesions, and material biocompatibility.
Their 2025 conference in Istanbul brought together thought leaders from across the world, including Dr. Johann Lechner, a pioneer in cavitational osteonecrosis (hidden jawbone infections) and metal hypersensitivity research. Sharing time with him and reviewing his most recent work reminded me that dentistry, done right, must always consider the whole body—not just the teeth.
Metal Allergy Is Real—And Often Overlooked
The term “allergy” often brings to mind hives, sneezing, or an EpiPen. But metal allergy behaves differently. It’s a Type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which means the immune system reacts over time—not instantly—leading to slow-building symptoms that often go undiagnosed.
Here’s what happens:
Metal ions bind to proteins in your body, forming new “foreign” structures
Your immune system responds by activating T-lymphocytes
This causes the release of inflammatory mediators, which can spread beyond the mouth
Symptoms often appear after repeated or prolonged exposure—common with dental crowns, bridges, and implants
And here’s what many don’t realize: some people are genetically predisposed to react more strongly to metals like nickel, mercury, cobalt, palladium, and gold—all materials that have historically been used in dental restorations.
The Research: What the Numbers Say
A standout study shared at the conference revealed:
10–15% of the general population may suffer from metal hypersensitivity
In patients with confirmed metal allergies, 82% experienced clinical improvement after removal of the offending dental materials
Symptoms that improved included fatigue, digestive issues, autoimmune flares, and hair loss
One particular case stood out to me: a patient had been suffering from both GI pain and oral lesions after receiving a dental bridge. Testing revealed a reaction to gold and palladium—once removed, her symptoms disappeared. These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re a pattern.
The Bigger Picture: Cavitations and Chronic Disease
It’s not just about the materials. Dr. Lechner’s research into jawbone cavitations—areas of chronic inflammation or bone necrosis in the jaw—adds another dimension. These “silent lesions” can also act as immune disruptors, particularly when paired with metal exposure.
For patients with unresolved chronic illness, it’s worth asking:
Could your dental history be part of the problem?
What We’re Doing Differently at Midwest BioHealth
At our office, we don’t wait for trends to become mainstream. We’ve already integrated many of the solutions being discussed on the international stage:
✅ We don’t place amalgam (mercury) fillings
✅ We offer optional biocompatibility testing for high-risk patients
✅ We favor zirconia implants and ceramic-based restorations
✅ We collaborate with functional medicine practitioners for whole-body healing
✅ We carefully evaluate past root canals, metal posts, and unexplained symptoms
A Metal-Free Future
The EU has now banned dental amalgam as of 2025 (except for very narrow exemptions). The FDA acknowledges that implantable materials can provoke chronic inflammation in a small but significant subset of patients. And patients—rightly—are asking more informed questions.
This is the future of dentistry: not just filling cavities, but removing obstacles to health.
If you’ve been chasing symptoms with no clear answers, or you’ve ever had a gut feeling something “off” started after dental work—please know, you’re not alone. And more importantly, there are solutions.
Dr. John Johnson, DDS
Biological & Holistic Dentist | IAOMT-Certified
Midwest BioHealth