During stress induced catabolism, this protective flow reverses. Minerals from teeth are returned to the circulation. The resultant dry, "lifeless" surface of the tooth attracts scavenging bacteria. The scavengers stimulate the inflammatory process within the tooth. Tooth decay is immune-mediated inflammatory destruction of teeth infected with bacteria. Tooth decay is inflammation "out of control". The rate of decay is determined primarily by the degree of the bacterial-triggered immune response countered by the anti-inflammatory buffering systems. Excessive sugar energizes the bacteria. But even more important may be the shortage of vegetables that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to quench this aggressive inflammatory response.

Enamel tooth decay is seen primarily in rapidly growing youngsters. Tooth decay peaks with the stressful pubertal growth spurt. Low bone density, scoliosis, dandruff, acne, all kinds of irritable and inflammatory behavior, growing pains, as well as arthritic problems of the hip, knee, ankle, and heel peak at this apogee of growth-induced stress.

Child-bearing is a major stressor. Tooth decay and gum disease erupt again during and after pregnancy. This growth state creates a high demand for nutrients. All kinds of irritable and inflammatory states occur during and after pregnancy. Post-natal tetany syndrome also expresses itself as TMJ problems, myofascial pain, trigger points, nocturnal leg cramps, post-natal blues, depression or even psychotic behavior.

The next major burst of decay activity occurs on the tooth roots of people of retirement age. The difference between graceful slow erosion and root melt-down, is the integrity of nutrient- dependent anti-inflammatory buffering mechanisms. Tooth decay, along with the stereotype of the shrinking, thin-skinned, cranky old person, is created by the acid-forming catabolic chronic stress response.

The body functions in two primary modes, anabolism or catabolism - build or rot. Stress creates catabolism, the breaking-down of tissues to provide nutrients to meet emergency needs, the build-up of harmful plaque, and the tendency to tooth decay described as a compromised immune system. People who get significant tooth decay and gum disease are at greater risk for other diseases, including heart disease and cancer.