How many cavities have you had?

[Mimi Q]

My 13 year old had her first cavity today, and she has cried and cried. It is right above one of her backets. I have several fillings even though I try to take care of my teeth like I'm supposed to. It just made me wonder how many people never have a cavity.

 

[gradtchr]

I had never had any as a child until I got my braces off then they appeared. AARRGGHH!! Some were actually caused by the braces which was awful.

 

[powellrj]

I have a mouthfull, but I am also middleaged so I think its pretty common for people my age to have more than kids today do. My kids have only had one or two.

 

[Charade]

Lots and lots!! I don't think there is one tooth (except for the front teeth) that hasn't had a cavity.

 

[Danvers]

Pssttt.....ZERO! Go me, go me...

 

[Beauty]

I'm 33 years old and have NEVER had one! Had my last check-up about a month ago. DH is the same age and he has 2.
John-Cole has never had one, hes 13.

 

[mskani]

It's funny that you brought this up today. I just got home from the dentist and I had four cavities filled. Two weeks ago, I had four filled and four weeks from now, I will have four more filled. The big culprit...soda pop. I no longer drink it and will only chew sugarless gum.

 

[tlgoblue]

Zip. Zilch. Nada. Niente! BTW, I'm 41. But my very healthy teeth will probably fall out, as my gums aren't quite as healthy.

 

[scrappystamper1]

Hi Ho your friendly dental hygienist here....

The answer to your question is BACTERIA. Bacteria transmitted from person to person just like a cold is responsible for both gum disease and cavities.
In both cases, how your body deals with this bacteria makes you more or less prone. Yes, diet (namely sugar soda, coffee with cream and sugar-black is okay...and other stachy carbs that break down into sugar this bacteria) is a culprit. I have seen people who brush like crazy and always have cavites and teens that may brush weekly - not daily that never have cavities. The answer my friends is fluoride. Even adults need fluoride. I recommend that my patients at high risk for decay use a daily brush on fluoride gel in place of toothpaste.
It works great and..no more cavities.
I just looked up and read how much I wrote...sorry, I will now climb down off my soapbox.


Janet Paddock
scrappystamper1

 

[monarchsfan16]

I've had 3 or 4. I'm 18. I have huge pits in the sides of my back molars that are too deep for a toothbrush to fit into (that's from the dentist; I'm not in denial about my dental hygeine). The cavities form there.

 

[scrappystamper1]

You are correct, As the tooth develops, sometimes those deep grooves never close up, or they close up but are deep and plaque (which feeds the bacteria) cannot be removed effectivly. Most young people have sealants to keep cavities from coming, to give you a slick surface to clean instead of a "groovy "one.
Janet Paddock

 

[Hermosa11]

I am 49 and have a mouthful. But then, I've never had braces and basically, my teeth are in great condition. I hope to keep it that way too.

 

[monarchsfan16]

You are correct, As the tooth develops, sometimes those deep grooves never close up, or they close up but are deep and plaque (which feeds the bacteria) cannot be removed effectivly. Most young people have sealants to keep cavities from coming, to give you a slick surface to clean instead of a "groovy "one.
Janet Paddock

Oh yeah I had more sealants than I could count (some fell out, some wore off, etc). These though were actually in the sides of my teeth, not on the top. Then there was the cavity that formed between my teeth

 

[Feralpeg]

I've got about three teeth that do not have fillings or caps. Of course, I'm 53 and that was growing up in the 50's. All of you young folk should be very thankful for floride! DD is 17 an has only had one tiny cavity.

 

[CamColt]

Another 33 year old with no cavities here.

 

[mtblujeans]

I have so many crowns in my mouth that DH says the metal in my mouth (gold and otherwise) is worth more than the rest of me combined!

 

[noseybuddy]

I am 43 and have a total of 3. Don't even know how many DH has, never asked. DS is 16 has 0 and DD is 14 and has 0.

 

[lulugirl]

Alot.