well, i had the consultation done, first, and then the dentist came in. i think this is key to understanding the different analysis.
she agreed that the issues on my molars were too small to warrant drilling, but she pointed out an area of decay near the gum line that the other one didn't catch and suggested filling it in. in fact, i think it was exposed after the exam, which involved some water spraying (but wasn't what would be called a teeth cleaning).
in the summer of 2005, i fell off my bicycle on the way home from a concert and smashed my face on a metal grate at hog's back bridge. i still have a scar on my chin, and i bashed up a part of my teeth; i actually could have easily fallen in the rapids. this was sealed over in 2013 and i'd actually completely forgotten about it. but, i guess it was softening up and the water opened it back up, because there it is. i didn't realize what she was talking about until i got home and saw it in the mirror.
i decided to give it six months, and the hole is in truth a little but smaller than i remember it. but, i'm well aware that this isn't a choice - if anything, the fact that i chipped the tooth in that spot is just increasing the likelihood of cavity around it. we'll see how that tooth feels.
how about my gums?
i don't floss, because i've been told it's a waste of time. they've done systemic reviews; there is no actual science underlying flossing, it's the perfect example of what is called pseudo-science. ask your dentist to justify what they tell you about flossing by citing peer-reviewed science and become distraught when you realize that they can't because there isn't any. flossing was invented by the toothpaste corporations and is more about advertising than science. however, i might be overbrushing, and that's something i might want to be more cognizant about.
i've got most of my health under very strict control, but i've largely neglected my oral care. i think it's time for that to change, and for me to get my mouth up to code with the rest of my health..