How long caries

However, if you begin neglecting proper oral healthcare habits, that decay gets right back on track to causing permanent enamel damage. But if your dentist tells you that you do have a cavity forming, there are ways to stop early-stage tooth decay from progressing to a full-blown cavity.

We look forward to seeing you at your next visit! Contact Us. Gently brush your teeth at least twice every day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss between your teeth at least once a day.

Consider investing in helpful dental gadgets, like an electric toothbrush and water flosser, to spice up your routine, making it more effective and even more fun. Are root canal procedures painful? Root canals are feared for all the wrong reasons. Today, we want to talk about how a cavity forms and how you can defend yourself from cavity-causing bacteria. Your tooth enamel may be the hardest surface in your body, but it is not invincible.

Holes, called cavities, form when acids in your mouth gradually weaken and wear away your tooth enamel. The bad bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches and produce these acids as a by-product. If you do not practice good oral hygiene, debris and bacteria also accumulate into a sticky film called plaque, which can cause gums to become swollen and tender.

It may surprise you to learn that the speed at which a cavity can form depends on your age! The enamel in baby teeth is softer and more likely to develop cavities than adult teeth — a great reason to make sure your kids are practicing superb oral hygiene every day. It can take months, or possibly even years, before the decay process advances to the point where a tooth requires attention. The entire process of tooth demineralization takes place whenever an acidic oral environment exists, and fortunately, this environment isn't the norm for a person's mouth.

Early-stage tooth decay can be corrected when it's caught early enough, which is why it's so essential to visit your dentist every six months for an exam. The time it takes for a cavity to form varies.

It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily. This means that a cavity can start to form and then not have the right conditions to continue to develop. A cavity won't just go away on its own; however, it can be slower to form, which allows your dentist to correct the issue before it gets worse. There are several types of factors that can significantly influence the length of time it takes for a cavity to form.