How long cavities form

Call Artistic Touch Dentistry today to schedule an appointment for a routine dental cleaning and professional exam. By Dr. Maryam Brazdo Apr 18 Length of Time Varies from Cavity to Cavity No two cavities are alike when it comes to how long it takes for them to form. Factors That Increase or Decrease the Length of Time it Takes a Cavity to Form All types of factors can greatly influence the length of time it takes for a cavity to form.

Common factors that can increase or decrease the speed in which a cavity forms include: Acid levels — cavities will start to form when acid levels in the mouth increase The number of acid attacks — teeth are extremely strong. However, if a tooth is subjected to multiple small acid attacks, eventually a cavity will form Where the cavity is forming — enamel is stronger and contains more minerals, which means it will take longer to form than a cavity that is forming in the dentin The thickness of the enamel — enamel is thinner near the gum line which means that cavities form quicker near the gums than they do on the tops of teeth Quality of the tooth enamel — enamel that contains lots of minerals will take longer to get a cavity than enamel that has fewer minerals Tooth Damage can be Reversed with Remineralization It may seem like once the conditions are right for a cavity to start forming, that the process just progresses until a full cavity is created.

Ways to Prevent the Formation of Cavities There are some things you can do to prevent or slow down the formation of cavities. Some things you can do include: Brush at least twice a day Stay hydrated Floss daily Learn proper brushing and flossing techniques Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash Consume sugary or acidic foods in moderation Schedule a professional dental cleaning and checkup every four to six months Follow through with all recommended dental treatment Is it time for a dental checkup or a professional cleaning?

Enamel quality Mineral-rich enamel provides a strong barrier against cavities. Enamel thickness Thicker enamel is better at protecting against cavities than thin enamel. Can you reverse cavities? Mukilteo th St. Follow Us. We Are Proud Members of:. About Us. Your Child's First Visit Download this checklist to help your child get the most out of their first visit.

Our Difference. Thank you is not enough. Thank you a million times over! It takes more than a few months or a year to develop them. The main reason is the negligence of oral hygiene, which leads to tooth decay.

Tooth decay may take time, but for it to happen, plaque and dietary sugars need to be present at the same time. It is easy to prevent tooth decay by regular brushing and flossing. Brushing removes the sugar preventing plaque from forming in the mouth, ultimately stopping cavities from developing. It is possible to prevent the cavity with a few simple steps. The healthy habit of brushing after every meal, especially in the morning and before going to bed can act as a protection wall.

Regular teeth cleaning can also help in keeping the teeth healthy.