GENEVA: In the context of the COP4 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently released the first publication in its oral health briefing note series.
Minamata Convention is the world's first legally binding treaty that aims to safeguard human health and the environment from emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. The representatives from 92 countries sign it.
WHO's publication titled 'Prevention and treatment of dental caries with mercury-free products and minimal intervention' focuses on preventing and treating dental caries (tooth decay) with mercury-free products and minimally-invasive interventions.
It highlights to non-specialists and the general public why mercury-free products and minimally invasive therapies are vital in oral health care. It also defines six mercury-free and minimally- invasive approaches, i.e., fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnish, glass ionomer cement sealants, glass ionomer cement restorations, silver diamine fluoride, and composite resin restorations, for preventing and treating dental cavities.