What’s Really Causing Tooth Decay

👋 Hi!

Welcome to the first official edition of Dr. Cortez’s Cavity-Free Club! I’m so glad you’re here.

This space was created just for moms like you — those who want real answers, natural approaches, and practical tools to protect their kids' health, starting with their smile.

🧑‍⚕️ Why I’m So Passionate About Preventing Cavities

When my first son was just 3 years old, I brought him in for his first dental appointment.
At first glance, everything looked great — no visible cavities. But when I took X-rays, I found eight cavities. 😳

Wait… what?!
I’m a dentist. How did this happen?

Cue the mom guilt. I felt overwhelmed, confused, and honestly, a little defeated.

But what happened to me is happening to moms all over the world — and I want you to hear this loud and clear: It’s not your fault.

There’s a huge gap in what most families are told about prevention, nutrition, and whole-body oral health — and the truth is, it even gets left out of dental school.

🌱 You're Here. And That’s What Matters.

You’re already ahead of the curve just by being curious. And I’m here to walk beside you every step of the way.

Together, we’ll explore why cavities happen, what’s often missed by conventional care, and how you can support your child’s health from the inside out.

🦷 Why Do Cavities Form?

Let’s start with a quick anatomy refresher:

• Enamel – the outer layer (strongest part of the body!)

• Dentin – the middle layer

• Pulp – the inner core, where blood vessels and nerves live

Enamel and dentin are made of hydroxyapatite — a mineral crystal that can remineralize when supported properly.

So yes — you can stop cavities from progressing.
But you can’t “regrow” enamel from scratch.

That’s why prevention is so powerful.

🧠 So What Really Causes Cavities?

Let’s talk root causes — beyond brushing and flossing.

🫁 Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing dries out the mouth and disrupts the oral microbiome — the ecosystem of helpful and harmful microbes in your child’s mouth.
When it’s out of balance, the bad guys take over.

🥦 Nutrient Depletion

Teeth are mineral reservoirs.
If your child isn’t getting enough minerals (like calcium and phosphate), the body pulls them from the teeth.
💧Tip: Filter your tap water and add trace minerals back in.

🍭 Sugar & Processed Carbs

The modern diet is loaded with refined sugar and simple carbs.
These feed harmful bacteria and shift your child’s oral environment toward decay.
✅ Cutting processed snacks is a powerful step.

☀️ Lack of Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D3, E, and K2 are critical for mineral delivery.
Think of them like buses: they carry the minerals to the teeth.
You can’t remineralize without them!

📩 What’s Next?

In upcoming emails, I’ll break down each of these causes in detail, with practical changes you can start at home — no overwhelm, no judgment, just support.

You’ve got this.
And I’ve got your back. 💛

With love and healthy smiles,
Dr. Cortez
The Biological Airway Dentist