[masraum]

Originally Posted by dennis in se pa

Yes, have been using a water pic for some time now. And an electric toothbrush. Twice a day. And still getting cavities. Damn.

So it's obviously not due to hygiene habits, but something has changed? Drinking more coffee or something else than you used to drink? Different foods? Or maybe it's a change in your body.

Originally Posted by pwd72s

I have a theory that genetics plays a part. Don't recall ever reading anything about it, though.

Yes. Genetics plays a part in oral health. For instance, I went for an extended time after HS before I went back to a dentist (poor, crappy insurance, and the indifference of youth). WHen I finally got back to a dentist, I think I had a couple of cavities, but the dentist was shocked because there was practically no plaque/tartar build up. It was like a 6 month cleaning on most folks. My mom says that she's never got any build-up on her teeth either. My wife can go in once a year and needs a heavy duty cleaning because of build up (I think she goes every 6 months to combat that). My theory and this has been supported by dental hygienists is that my oral chemistry doesn't support build up, whether it's due to PH or enzymes or lack of minerals in saliva or what, I don't know. Some folks have the opposite so they develop build up quite easily. I'm sure that the chemistry and environment (bacteria, whatever) in the mouth probably also can create a hospitable environment or inhospitable environment for cavities.

Maybe your oral chemistry has changed, or maybe your eating/drinking habits have changed?