# Is some uranium still used in teeth?

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-some-uranium-still-used-in-teeth/1237
**Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports
**Created:** [April 14, 2000, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-some-uranium-still-used-in-teeth/1237 "2000-04-14T05:36:00Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ccd318/32.png) [@John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Kentzel-Griffin)
#### Post date: [April 14, 2000, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-some-uranium-still-used-in-teeth/1237/1 "2000-04-14T05:36:00Z")

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Cecil said:

> [@](#):
>
> (I)n the mid-1980s the federal exemption was revoked. **Most** dental porcelain sold today is uranium-free.

(Emaphasis mine.)

MOST??? I know that after radioactivity was discovered, radioactive materials were used by many people because of the (supposed) health benefits. (I need more energy, radium gives off energy, so I’ll drink some radioactive water.)

But, how much of the dental porcelain sold today is radioactive? Also, if “the federal exemption was revoked”, why is there still _any_? After I have detal work done, can I throw out my night light? Will I have a killer smile?

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Virtually yours,

DrMatrix  
“Feynman was wrong.  
I understand Quantum Physics completely.  
Anybody seen my drugs?” - **WallyM7**

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### Author: ![John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ccd318/32.png) [@John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Kentzel-Griffin)
#### Post date: [April 14, 2000, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-some-uranium-still-used-in-teeth/1237/2 "2000-04-14T05:39:00Z")

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I almost forgot to supply a link. This refers to [Is uranium added to false teeth to give them a natural glow?](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_107.html)

* * *

Virtually yours,

DrMatrix  
“Feynman was wrong.  
I understand Quantum Physics completely.  
Anybody seen my drugs?” - **WallyM7**

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### Author: ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)
#### Post date: [April 14, 2000, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-some-uranium-still-used-in-teeth/1237/3 "2000-04-14T05:40:00Z")

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DrMatrix,

Porcelain by default contains radiation. It’s due to trace elements in it.

So, AFAIK, uranium is not added, it’s just not leeched from it.