Effect of selenium on mercury vapour released from dental amalgams: an in vitro study

Wet corroded and air oxidized surfaces from different types of dental amalgams were used in this in vitro study. The mercury vapour released before and after standardized brushing with a conventional (ACTA) and an experimental selenium-containing toothpaste was examined. The results showed differences between the wet corroded and the air oxidized surfaces. High copper, non- gamma 2- amalgams, released more mercury vapour than the conventional one throughout the experiment. When the amalgam surfaces were brushed with the conventional toothpaste, an increase of the released vapour was noted. The use of the selenium containing toothpaste resulted in all cases, in significantly lower amounts of mercury vapour.