Tackling decay in 13 teeth

That “borderline” call is so tricky. I’m in the same boat - my dentist flagged a molar as “iffy” and it’s been two checkups with no change, but every twinge makes me wonder if I should’ve just fixed it right away. Does anyone else constantly poke at their teeth with their tongue, or is that just me being paranoid? I totally get wanting to see x-rays. Sometimes I feel like I need proof it’s not secretly getting worse while I sleep...

Haha, you’re definitely not the only one poking at your teeth - I do it all the time when something feels “off.” I’ve had a couple of those borderline calls too and honestly, sometimes I think waiting is fine if there’s no change. Have you ever had a spot that stayed “iffy” for years without turning into a cavity?

I’ve totally had those “iffy” spots that just linger for ages. One of my back molars has looked kinda suspicious on x-rays for at least three years, but every time my dentist checks it, they’re like, “Let’s just watch it.” I’d be lying if I said I didn’t worry about it turning into a full-blown cavity eventually, but honestly, I’m not eager to fork out hundreds for a filling if it’s not actually getting worse. I feel like sometimes dentists are quick to suggest work “just in case,” but if you’re on a budget, every little thing adds up.

Do you ever ask your dentist for a second opinion or push back when they recommend treating borderline spots? I’ve started asking more questions, like how likely it is to progress, what they’re basing it on, etc. Sometimes I get the sense they’re a little surprised I’m not just agreeing to everything. Have you noticed any difference in how different dentists approach these gray-area situations? I switched providers once and the new one was way less aggressive about “watch” areas - almost made me wonder if it’s partly just their style.

Also, have you tried any of those remineralizing toothpastes or fluoride treatments? I’ve been told they can help slow down early decay, but I’m never sure if it’s worth the extra cost or just hype. I’m always looking for ways to avoid more drilling, especially when the insurance only covers so much.

Yeah, I’ve had a dentist push for a filling on a “maybe” spot, then switched and the new one just kept an eye on it. Wild how much it varies. I tried those fancy pastes too - honestly, didn’t notice much difference, but maybe I’m just unlucky.

That’s been my experience too - seems like some dentists are quick to fill anything that looks questionable, while others take a more “wait and see” approach. I’ve also tried those pricey remineralizing pastes, but honestly, didn’t notice much change either. Maybe they work better for folks with early-stage spots? I do think keeping up with regular brushing and flossing makes a bigger difference than any of the fancy stuff. Dental bills add up fast, so I try to avoid unnecessary work if I can... but it’s always a bit of a gamble.