I'm Cavity Prone!!!

Message

#1 Post by **gracie381** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 12:28 pm

Well, I'm definitely no stranger to cavities. I'm 27 and I have fillings in at least 13 or 14 of my teeth (all in back). I had my last fillings done in September right before getting braced. Well I went back for my 6 month dental visit, and guess what I have 2 cavities. 1 is on my wisdom tooth, the other is behind my second molar on the lower left. So they said I would have to get my wire and a couple of brackets taken off in order for it to be filled. I really dread this. Although it should be a piece of cake considering I had 4 done at one time before being braced, and this is only 1. I just really, really can't stand having fillings. I have a terrible fear of dentists anyway. I live almost 2 hours from my ortho and about 15 minutes from my dentist and they are in totally different directions. That's one day to get my filling and then another to go and have my brackets and wire put back on. Anyone have to have this done? I have taken extra care of my teeth since being braced. I bought a Sonicare and use it faithfully and brush after every meal, but I still have cavities. I think I'm just prone to get them. I had 1 cavity when I was 12 and went almost 8 years before going back to the dentist and still didn't have any cavities. Now in the last 5 years look at all the cavities I've had. What's up with that? I take way better care of my teeth now then I did back then. Anyway sorry to vent. Just nervous about the extra work. My dentist also said that they should just pull my wisdom teeth, but I already had my 4 1st pre-molars pulled, so I would like to keep some of my teeth. He then said we would just wait on my wisdom tooth filling unless it starts bothering me or something. I have fillings in 2 of my other wisdom teeth already so I don't see what the big deal is. Oh well, guess I'll just worry about the one now, and figure the rest out later!! By the way I also have a lot of staining on my teeth. My hygenist is one of my best friends and she says my teeth stain really easilty, but she is not sure why. She asked if drank cokes (liked sipped on one all day), but I don't. I just drink one when I eat, then go brush. I have decided to ban all dark liquids!!!! I guess my caffeine fix will be Mountain Dew

#2 Post by **missing_tooth** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 12:40 pm

All I can say is, join the club

- Missing Tooth -

#3 Post by **KJM** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 12:43 pm

Im sorry about your visit gracie381. I would be really frustrated too.
Have you talked to the Dentist about this, maybe he can shed some light on why you are so prone to get cavities even though your dental hygine is good?

I dont blame you for wanting to keep your wisdom teeth, so if I were you I would have that cavity filled. It isnt going to get better, only bigger and worse.

Good Luck! Hope everything works out.

#4 Post by **Betty Bat** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 1:20 pm

I found a very interesting web site a while ago. I'm "plaque-prone" and my hygenist said it was because of my saliva. So I googled "plaque" and "saliva". Anyway, the site is: www.fitmouth.com (follow the link for Free Stuff).

It explains the chemical reactions of plaque buildup and cavity formation. There was some advice about what could be done to change it. One of the more interesting things was a discussion about baking soda and baking soda rinses to help neutralize the acids that promote decay. There was also a lot of discussion about what toothpaste to use. It sounded like Colgate Total had an antibacterial that might also help control decay.

The solution probably won't be easy. Sorry about your current situation.

#5 Post by **mia_cro** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 1:55 pm

I have the same problem!
I did lot of research on-line and I read that some ppl have different saliva composition and ph level that speeds up the cavity process (there are some tests you can take to determine that).
Also, there are just some time periods/years when our teeth are more likely to get cavity...I guess we're in that period now...
I got my first filling when I was 14!
I'm using flashlight and mirror to examin my mouth every night,in search for dark spots. I'm actually thinking of asking the orto to take the bands off in few months, so that my dentist can check out what's happening under them!

#6 Post by **designermom** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 2:46 pm

This sounds really bad, but I'm suspicious of your dentist. Maybe get a second opinion before you have anymore work done.

#7 Post by **chrisd** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 4:07 pm

in some people the occlusal surafce of teeth (the part that we chew with) forms a little groove or step off creating an area that is tough to clean and prone to cavities. dentists can apply sealants to the top of the molars that last a few years and may protect you from cavities.

I'm suspicious of your dentist

i did have one dentist who i i think did this, to make a few extra bucks. i wish i could prove it. if you are suspicious you could go see a new dentist, but if your friend is the hygenist i think you should be safe. and the vast majority of dentists are certainly honest people.
chris

#8 Post by **drazda** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:31 pm

I've luckily never had a cavity, but now that I have braces food is constantly getting stuck in them, so getting my first cavity is certainly a possibility

What exactly is involved in filling a cavity? Is it a long or painful process?

#9 Post by **drazda** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:41 pm

The silver filling, how long does it stay in your teeth? Do you have to go back to have the filling remove?

#10 Post by **drazda** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:52 pm

Wow lucy, I'm glad that silver stuff isn't used often anymore. It does look terrible! Glad you got yours filled with white