The challenge for researchers is find the causal pathway. Sorry for the bad news. Maybe you've quit smoking, taken up jogging or walking regularly for your health. Please add a simple oral hygiene regimine to your day. Now, if not for your teeth, for your heart as well.
Cavities are really the first stage of the disease.
The germs that are doing all the dirty work have moved under the gum line and doing it there now. That's how the disease progresses. Well, we got through the Easter tradition yesterday. Not 20 minutes or an hour, but immediately. Even 15 minutes later is too late.