Something I’ve always been curious about and thought you all might have some insights.
So for some reason I have super teeth or something, and I’ve never gotten a cavity or any other tooth/gum problem in my 45 years of life.
I think that’s unusual because I don’t avoid sugar, and I don’t take particularly good care of my teeth. I just brush in the morning and at night, that’s it. And I’ve never flossed or used any kind of mouth washes or anything. (In fact there was one time in the Army when we were in the field for a week and I just decided to not brush the whole time to see what it would be like. Very gross, I don’t recommend doing that, lol.)
I went to a dentist a few years ago (it was the first time I had gone in 15 years I think). And the dentist remarked how good my teeth were and that I must take really good care of them.
When I told her I don’t even floss, she seemed shocked and almost offended or something. She did say that occasionally there are people like me who simply don’t need to go to the dentist very often.
My 43 yr old brother is the same story, never had a cavity and I don’t think he takes particularly good care of his teeth either.
So, does that mean there’s probably some genetic factor? (Both of our parents have had cavities, though, and my daughter has had them already.)
Also, when I read that tooth health has some kind of effect on longevity, does that mean my dental history bodes well for me? Or does it mean I’m likely to suffer because I don’t brush/floss as much as some people?
Thanks for entertaining the question, it’s always been something I’ve wondered about!