The revised EU regulation  eliminates the last intentional uses of mercury and contributes to the goal of a toxic-free environment. It requires dental filling materials to be mercury-free, except in cases deemed medically necessary by a practitioner. Member States needing more time to adapt can apply a temporary derogation until 30 June 2026.

The regulation also covers other mercury-containing products, including certain types of lamps, which must be phased out by 31 December 2025 or 2026 depending on the category, to be replaced by less toxic alternatives like LEDs. Guidance on reducing mercury emissions from crematoria will be published by the European Commission (EC) by the end of 2025.

Mercury, a highly toxic substance used in industrial processes and various products, poses serious risks to human health and the environment. To further restrict its use in the EU, the EC adopted a proposal on 14 July 2023 to revise the Mercury Regulation.

The revised regulation builds on the existing 2017 Mercury Regulation, which covers the full lifecycle of mercury, from primary mining to final disposal of mercury waste.

Meanwhile, at the Minamata Convention, several countries, including the US, have pushed for a global ban on mercury dental fillings by 2030. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised the concern on the continued use of mercury in dentistry despite available safe alternatives.

Mercury, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major public health hazard, has already been restricted in some nations, prohibiting its use in fillings; however, others continue to allow its use.

A few African nations proposed a stricter approach, calling for a ban on producing, importing, and exporting mercury-based dental fillings starting in 2030. Some countries, including Britain, India, and Iran, opposed the move, citing costs and the durability of alternatives.

The Minamata Convention, in force since 2017, requires signatories to gradually eliminate mercury in dental applications while addressing safe disposal.

The results from the survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of FDI, exposed a significant gap between what people believe to be good oral health practices versus what they actually do.

Eight of the countries reported that 50% or more of the people surveyed think it is important to brush your teeth straight after every main meal. Brazil, Mexico, Egypt and Poland were the worst offenders of this incorrect oral health practice (84%, 81%, 62% and 60% respectively). FDI recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth to avoid weakening tooth enamel.

“These survey results highlight an alarming discrepancy between knowledge and actual good oral health practices,” said Dr. Patrick Hescot, FDI President. “We want everyone to take control of their oral health this World Oral Health Day and understand that by adopting good oral hygiene habits, avoiding risk factors and having a regular dental check-up, they can help protect their mouths. A healthy mouth allows us to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow and convey a range of emotions with confidence and without pain, discomfort and disease. Good oral health matters and translates to a better quality of life.”

The majority of countries surveyed incorrectly believe that rinsing the mouth out with water after brushing is important; Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, India and Canada were found to practice this myth the most (77%, 75%, 73%, 67% and 67% respectively). It is actually recommended not to rinse with water straight after brushing to allow maximum exposure to fluoride, which will optimize the preventative effects.

Nearly half the population surveyed in India, South Africa, Brazil and Poland (52%, 49%, 48% and 42% respectively), felt that drinking fruit juice rather than fizzy drinks was important for good oral health. Fruit juice however, can also be high in sugar which can cause tooth decay. FDI recommends keeping consumption of sugary drinks to a minimum as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Dr. Edoardo Cavalle, WOHD Task Team Chair, stated “Understanding good oral health practices and adopting them early in life, will help to maintain optimal oral health into old age and ensure you live a long life free from physical pain and often emotional suffering caused by oral disease.”

Other key findings on oral health practices include:

• 77% of people surveyed agreed that visiting a dentist once per year is good oral health practice, but only 52% actually tend to do it
• Only 28% of respondents identified drinking alcohol in moderation as important for good oral health