I sympathize. But before you laugh too much, I have a near-phobia about dental work, so getting me to go in at all involves bribing me with various mind-bending chemicals. The emotional trauma for me is all out of line with the actual experience, but screw logic. I don’t like people messing with my mouth. Period.
My mother has a mouth full of fillings, and needs several crowns, and is also petrified of the dentist. I don’t care what some people think; comparing my teeth to hers, the benefits of flouridated water are obvious. I’ve been relatively lucky in the tooth department.
But nobody, not NOBODY, is getting near me with one of those huge-ass novocaine needles without my being doped up on something. Eeeeeek!
It seems possibly genetic. My sister has 1 I think and she is 30. Neither of my parents have many.
My grandfather is 80 and still has all his teeth. He has had some cavities, but tooth care wasn’t the same when he was a kid as it is today. Having all his teeth still is a pretty big deal.
…and my wisdom teeth came in straight so no pulling…
and my teeth are ultra white so much so that the dentist had to mix cap paste 3 times for a permanent tooth (which capped a baby tooth that never grew in)…
…and apparently I never will have cavities…the dentist I went to said that my teeth had the density of cement.
If you can’t see it, I am grinning at you as you read this.
My mom has no cavities (I think) at 57, and the last time I looked, still had the serrations on the top of her bottom teeth. Mine have been worn flattish on the top. I think my brothers and I have only a couple cavities between the 4 of us. So I feel it’s genetic.
Heh, I have a dental phobia as well. I only started going back when a high school classmate talked me into going.(OK, she’s a dentist) I think I’m better now though.(Of course it’s all cosmetic work at this point.
I’m 31 and have 2 kids (12 & 7 years old/one boy one girl), and none of us have ever had any cavities!
They never took flouride drops or tablets, but we do use flouride rinse (Act) every night, and visit the dentist for cleanings 4x a year instead of 2x.
I bet it’s hard to find a zombie without a cavity.
But I don’t have any. OK, I have one, but my tooth grew in with a little divot in the side, so the dentist filled it. I have no cavities from decay. I’m 44. I brush twice a day with a Sonicare but only floss maybe once a year. I’m forgetful.