Why do I get decay even though I have good oral hygiene?


This is a question some patients have .  Good oral health requires more than brushing and flossing. Our endocrine system plays an important part.  Dr. Ralph Steinman, a dentist at Loma Linda University, did several studies starting in 1958 on the Dentinal Fluid Transport System.  This studied the relationship between stomach content and tooth decay.  For one of his studies, he conducted a three-part experiment regarding the root cause of tooth decay. For those who have wondered why they get decay even though they are excellent at caring for their teeth, this study is for you! 

Part 1: Sugar and processed food were injected into the stomachs of half a group of rats. These rats got decay (cavities). He injected healthy food into the other half of the groups, and they did not get decay. Neither group had their food through their mouth. All decay started from their stomach. Everything we eat affects our health.

Part 2: Next, Dr.  Steinman called Dr. Lorena, an endocrinologist from Loma Linda University. Together, they cut out the parotid gland of the group of rats who were eating healthy food. As soon as they removed this gland, this group starting having decay. The role that our endocrine system has with our health can’t be ignored. If our endocrine system is under stress (by emotions, depression, or disease, among others) we can get decay.

Part 3: Dr.  Steinman added Calcium and Phosphorus to the diet of the rats who were given sugar and processed food. Decay then went down by 80%. We need minerals in our diet in order to have stronger teeth. When we lack minerals such as Calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc, just to name a few, we are more prone to have decay (cavities).

My advise to my patients is that if you are having decay even though you are brushing and flossing I can help you find you find the cause and direct you the proper health practitioner such as MD, ND, nutritionist, homeopath etc.  Also if decay is found early enough we may not have to drill and fill. There are remineralization options.  If you have any questions feel free to submit a form on my website. I will be more than happy to answer!

Dr Carmen Burke DDS,ND,IBDM