- there were no signs of cavities from the x-rays, indicating that my teeth are fundamentally healthy.
- however, there were several cavities around the gumline, some worse than others
i am going in for cosmetic work, first, to eliminate some stains.
he said that, from what he could see, the problem was not really about sugar or poor hygiene but more about acidity. that is, it didn't look like my teeth were eaten away by sugar or not brushing so much as it looked like they were worn down by acidification. he suggested that this was more likely to be caused by dehydration and high acidic foods and that the only thing that could be done about it is to drink more water and consume less acidic foods, although it's the more water thing that is the more important consideration. and, i'm not sure how i could drink more water than i do.
further, he agreed that the deficit of fluoride in the water may be the reason that my dental health has deteriorated since moving here but argued that this is manageable by using higher fluoride toothpaste. i'm already using high fluoride toothpaste.
he also agreed that there was previous work and it wasn't clear to him what was done. he seemed confused by it. this is largely upholding my suspicion that the previous work is the root of the problem.
i would have never imagined that the air could by dried out and damaged so much as to give me cavities, but that seems to be the reality. and, i think the best thing i can do is move to get away from the dirty, dry air in this apartment.
my landlord has ruined my teeth with his dehumidifier and second-hand smoke :(.