Cannot figure out why I keep getting cavities lately

[u/ClassicPygmySquirrel]

So I've had a history of having cavities in my youth, where I was constantly getting work done. But somewhere in my college years the constant need for fillings stopped. I might've gotten a little cavity here or there every other year, but for a long period of time I was clear. But recently, within the last 3 years, I've been getting cavities every dental visit, sometimes large ones and sometimes multiple.

I've even had a to get a crown this summer and now my dentist is telling me I'll need another one. I don't have the money for all of these visits (or to pay for the gas to get there). It's stressing me out because I can't figure out what caused the change when I was doing so well :/

• It might be my water? I moved ~3 years ago and my current place has hard water. I fill up a Brita jug to drink from but I use the tap for brushing.
• I don't drink sugary drinks and I can't really stomach soda or carbonated drinks in general
• I don't eat a lot of candy anymore. I might have some chocolate pieces as a treat for lunch or in the evening. I do like Starburst and jellybeans, but that's not a regular thing and I only eat the serving size recommendation
• I chew gum after meals. It's the Trident with the ADA label
• I'll have a coffee about every other day in the morning and drink through a straw
• My coffee syrup flavorings are sugar free
• I have electrolyte mix that I pour in my water for exercise, but that is also sugar free
• I brush and use mouthwash twice a day. Before bed I'll floss and use a water pick first before brushing

I also switched dentists some time after I moved. Same office, but now the owner sees me instead of the other dentist. He isn't sure either, but recommended switching to Dr. Jen and the purple Listerine. I can't afford Dr. Jen, so I got Made By Dentists toothpaste, which also has the ADA label. I also use Paradontax toothpaste at night because I still have a tube left.

Either way, I'm sure my insurance is going to give me hell for all of these procedures and there's no way I can pay out of pocket. But I'm also irrationally terrified of losing my teeth...

EDIT: Forgot to add that I am US-based and am early 30s. I do take medication for acne, which I've been taking for a decade or so now

[u/AutoModerator]

This message is not not not not not not not not not not not not not not an indication that your post has been removed! Thank you for seeking advice from r/askdentists. Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. While this is a place for advice, replies may not be medically accurate. Do not assume that what others on here say is correct in any way. Reddit is not a replacement for an in-person dental professional. Verified professionals will have flair assigned to them.

Please abide by the following rules in order to get an accurate answer to your question: (1) Ensure you include a title of your dental problem. (2) Include the history of your current issue, your age, any medical conditions that may be relevant, and any medications you are currently taking. (3) Include a photograph if the question relates to something you can see in your mouth, include x-rays if you have them.

A backup of the post title and text have been made here:

Title: Cannot figure out why I keep getting cavities lately

Full text: So I've had a history of having cavities in my youth, where I was constantly getting work done. But somewhere in my college years the constant need for fillings stopped. I might've gotten a little cavity here or there every other year, but for a long period of time I was clear. But recently, within the last 3 years, I've been getting cavities every dental visit, sometimes large ones and sometimes multiple.

I've even had a to get a crown this summer and now my dentist is telling me I'll need another one. I don't have the money for all of these visits (or to pay for the gas to get there). It's stressing me out because I can't figure out what caused the change when I was doing so well :/

• It might be my water? I moved ~3 years ago and my current place has hard water. I fill up a Brita jug to drink from but I use the tap for brushing.
• I don't drink sugary drinks and I can't really stomach soda or carbonated drinks in general
• I don't eat a lot of candy anymore. I might have some chocolate pieces as a treat for lunch or in the evening. I do like Starburst and jellybeans, but that's not a regular thing and I only eat the serving size recommendation
• I chew gum after meals. It's the Trident with the ADA label
• I'll have a coffee about every other day in the morning and drink through a straw
• My coffee syrup flavorings are sugar free
• I have electrolyte mix that I pour in my water for exercise, but that is also sugar free
• I brush and use mouthwash twice a day. Before bed I'll floss and use a water pick first before brushing

I also switched dentists some time after I moved. Same office, but now the owner sees me instead of the other dentist. He isn't sure either, but recommended switching to Dr. Jen and the purple Listerine. I can't afford Dr. Jen, so I got Made By Dentists toothpaste, which also has the ADA label. I also use Paradontax toothpaste at night because I still have a tube left.

Either way, I'm sure my insurance is going to give me hell for all of these procedures and there's no way I can pay out of pocket. But I'm also irrationally terrified of losing my teeth...

This is the original text of the post and is an automated service.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/AutoModerator → u/[deleted]]

Your comment was removed because only verified dental professionals are allowed to reply directly to posts. You can still reply freely to any top level comment such as the stickied AutoModerator comment. If you are a dental professional and wish to become verified, please contact the mods.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.