I recently discovered this group when I had a 3rd molar extraction at
the age of 50.  No, the tooth was not "bad", it had a flap of gum over
it, which had become infected.

I have always had good teeth.  I only had one cavity at age 17 (and I
don't trust that dentist, he may have just drilled for the heck of it.).

My teeth look perfect, I have no decay, I brush 2x day and never floss.

On the other hand, I know people who floss for hours and do all the
"right" things and have root canals in almost every tooth, bridges,
crowns, etc.

I remember when I was a kid I had a chemistry set.  (Not sold anymore
due to liability concerns.)  One of the experiments listed in the book
was to put red and blue litmus paper in your mouth.  The book stated
that if you had an "acid" mouth you would be likely to get cavities and
if you had an "alkaline" mouth you would not.  I had an alkaline mouth.

Is it really that simple?