Tons O' Cavities

Redisle

Just back from the Dentist there where I was told I need 7 fillings. 4 of them are deep enough so I am just going to get those done and leave the rest for now. Dentist can't really understand why I need so many.

I got another 6 or 7 less than 2 years ago. I can't say for sure but the majority of my Molars have fillings at this point. One of the new ones is on one of my top wisdom teeth.

I rarely drink soft drinks, maybe once a month.. don't take sugar in tea or coffee.. about the only thing really is small chocoloate bars.. but would they really be bad enough to cause this much damage? I generally eat healthy enough besides those snacks..

I have no problems with my gums and I brush daily..

Anyone have any suggestions on reducing cavities at this point? Or even any explanations as to why I get so many? Was told before I may have soft enamel but I don't even know if that means anything. I think I am going to cut out chocolate completely for now given the hit my wallet will take after this treatment.

Im also missing my two bottom second premolars if that means anything. The adult teeth never formed in those positions.

Thanks for any advice anyway.

DaveTwenty7

I would suggest filling out a diet diary.
Record everything you eat and drink (include amount and time if possible) do this for at least a week and show it to your dentist you might be surprised by what can be causing damage eg crisps are worse than chocolate!
Do you floss twice a day? Interproximally (between the teeth) is the most common area for adult decay as brushing does not clean this area, and generally results in a filling being required in both teeth.
I don't want to be smart but do you know how to brush correctly? Bring your toothbrush with you to the dentist and demonstrate how you brush as it maybe in efficient

Hope that helps

Redisle

Thanks for the reply. I might try your diary suggestion.

Regarding flossing its not something I do regularly but I am taking it up. A few of my teeth have spaces between then anyway where the floss isn't tight fitting and it's pretty difficult to floss between molars that have all been filled, in some cases with fillings bridging the gap between two teeth.

And yes I know how to brush properly, around on the gum line and down etc. Was taught that at some stage a long while ago.

I was reading online that Xylitol sweeted gum is good for saliva production and acid neutralisation after a meal where a toothbrush is unavailable so I may buy some of that too.

Hal Emmerich

Acid reflux at night maybe? Do you have a sore throat in the mornings?

DaveTwenty7

if you add sugar to tea /coffee etc try Xylitol sweetner instead

Redisle

Hal Emmerich wrote: »

Acid reflux at night maybe? Do you have a sore throat in the mornings?

No I don't have a sore throat in the mornings. You're suggesting acid could actually come up at night and cause damage? Didnt know such a thing was possible.

@Dave: I generally drink both without sugar but do use canderel ( aspartame) occasionally in coffee although may stop that too as I have heard some bad things about it. Besides apparently Xylitol has pretty bad effects on digestion and/or has laxative effects when swallowed so seems its best kept for gum and maybe toothpaste. May buy some gum on eBay.