The mercury in dental fillings may have toxic effects on pregnant women, young children and fetuses, the Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday after settling a related lawsuit. The FDA’s response came as part of a settlement with several consumer advocacy groups, including Moms Against Mercury, that filled a lawsuit claiming that the mercury found in these fillings could be the cause of some people developing multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s disease. Mercury has been linked to brain and kidney damage at certain levels.

On its website, the FDA warns consumers that dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. Pregnant women and people who have health problems that make them more sensitive to mercury’s effects “should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.” The FDA said it did not recommend that people who currently have mercury fillings get them removed. The FDA is expected to issue the new rules in July 2009.

On the other hand, The American Dental Association said the settlement does not change the current use of mercury.

“Dental amalgam remains a safe, affordable and durable cavity-filling choice for dental patients,'” the dental group said in a statement today on PR Newswire. The group said dentists have used this amalgam made of mercury and a powder containing silver, tin, copper, zinc and other metals for more than 100 years.