What Tooth Decay, Scurvy and Beriberi Have in Common?

All three diseases are result of food deficiencies. If I would say that anybody could cure tooth decay and prevent cavities with one nutritional supplement would you believe me? Think about it !

Scurvy is a condition caused by a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet. In the past, scurvy was common among sailors and other people deprived of fresh fruits and vegetables for long periods of time. That simple lack of knowledge that vitamin C is vital in preventing scurvy, devastated large segments of population. Nowadays, scurvy mainly affects homeless populations of large occidental cities and the isolated and malnourished inhabitants of developing countries.

Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the diet. In advanced cases, the disease may cause heart failure and death. Beriberi puzzled medical experts for years as it ravaged people of all ages in Asia. Not until the early 1900s did scientists discover that rice bran, the outer covering that was removed to create the polished white rice preferred by Asians, actually contained something that prevented the disease. In 1920s, thiamine was identified and extracts of rice polishing were used to treat the disease.

Contrary to dentists and large segment of population belief, that the main cause of tooth decay is bacteria in the mouth, tooth decay is result of modern society poor diet; processed food and modern farming. It is a problem related to nutritional value of food that we consume in general, to a depletion of soils of important minerals due to usage of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

I would like to make reference to Dr. Weston A. Price (1870-1948) a Cleveland dentist that discovered the origin of tooth decay. He noticed that people from primitive societies were living completely free of tooth decay. Although these people did not have any dental hygiene, this fact alone proofed that the bacterial theory as a cause of tooth decay was false. After his discovery, Dr. Weston A. Price primary focus became on teaching his patients that health, vitality and well being of each individual is directly related to the type of food and water that we consume.

Good Nutrition is very important element in fighting of tooth decay. Again different combination of one food versus other food does not provide the answer. We can not just eat a salmon, 1 liter of milk, 2 pounds of apples a day trying to find a right combination of food that will cure a disease. We have to eliminate all guessing and identify one single element that is the most important in prevention of tooth decay, as it is in the case of scurvy and beriberi.

So what is it that is so crucial in cure for tooth decay? I will stop here for now. I will be back with more information. If you want to know more how you too can take control of your dental health you can visit: How to Cure Tooth Decay and Prevent Cavities for Life.

What Tooth Decay, Scurvy and Beriberi Have in Common? by Suzanna Gazzari