Back in the late 80's, early 90's we chewed chewing gum with sugar in it. I don't eat sweet stuff at all (but drink a shit load of beer), I had 1 crown in the early 90's and 2 x back teeth pulled. Since then basically nothing. 1 filling IIRC.
I did have a thick 'barrier' built on the back of my 2 front teeth a year ago as I they were getting thin due to wear and grinding, that has stopped the wear according to my dentist. I also go to the hygienist every 4 months as I have early onset gum disease on my back 3 teeth, top and bottom. She scrapes the roots with no anaesthetic... fucking painful but the next day, I feel like I have new teeth.
They reckon 90% of Aussies have some gum disease but don't do anything about it.