How long does it take for a cavity to form? -
Cavities take time to form.
A person doesn't just get a cavity overnight. It typically takes months, or possibly even years, before the decay process has advanced to a point where it requires attention. (That's why your dentist feels comfortable enough only examining you every 6 months.)
It takes that long because conditions aren't always right for the continued progress of the demineralization process (the action that actually causes cavities).
Reasons why it takes time for cavities to form. -
A) Decay formation is a cumulative process.
The process of tooth demineralization takes place whenever an acidic oral environment (created by bacteria living in dental plaque as they consume sugars) exists. (Use link above for specific details.)
Fortunately, this type of environment isn't the norm (normal for the mouth is a neutral pH 7). But every instance when the mouth's pH drops to a level of 5.5 or below, some tooth damage occurs.
Ultimately, there may be a point where the cumulative effect of innumerable small episodes of demineralization have finally resulted in the formation of a cavity that's advanced enough that a person's dentist determines that it's now in need of treatment.
Our first graphic illustrates the scenario that takes place during the time frame when a cavity develops.
Cavity formation is the cumulative effect of repeated acid attacks stemming from dental plaque.
- When dental plaque accumulates on a tooth's surface, the acids produced by the bacteria that live within it (as they feed on a sugary food supply) cause damage (demineralization) to the tooth surface that lies underneath.
- When the plaque is brushed or flossed away, the current attack is stopped. But the damage it has already caused still remains.
- If plaque reforms, the acid attack will resume. And this adds further to the damage that occurred previously.
- If plaque is allowed to persist on the tooth's surface often and long enough (such as the case where a person doesn't brush as frequently or as thoroughly as they should), a full-fledged cavity will ultimately form.
B) Tooth surface characteristics that affect a cavity's timeline.
The speed with which tooth decay can form is influence by the following factors.
1) Dentin vs. enamel.
Dentin contains less mineral content than enamel. And with all other factors being equal, it's the one that's more prone to the effects of the demineralization process and thus cavity formation.
This difference means that cavities will form more easily, and advance more quickly, on areas of dentin (like exposed root surfaces) than on comparatively harder enamel-covered regions.
2) Enamel thickness.
One of the criteria that a dentist uses in determining if a developing cavity requires repair is if it has yet penetrated through the tooth's enamel layer.
With all other factors being equal, locations on teeth that have thinner enamel will develop a cavity (a lesion requiring repair) more rapidly. Areas of concern can be:
- The thickness of a tooth's enamel feathers down from full thickness to a micro-thin edge at its gum line.
- The thickness of enamel on deciduous (baby) teeth is about 1/2 that of permanent ones (Mortimer 1970).
3) Enamel quality.
Variances in the composition or status of a tooth's enamel surface can affect how quickly a cavity will form.
- Tooth enamel can contain porosities, which may affect how prone it is to tooth decay.
- Mortimer (1970) determined that the degree of mineralization of the enamel of baby teeth was lower than that of permanent ones, and therefore could be a factor in the speed with which cavities form an spread.
Despite all of the variations mentioned above, the actual amount of time that it takes a cavity to form will still generally lie on the order of months. That means (and of course per your dentists recommendation) having checkups twice a year is typically satisfactory in identifying, and correcting if needed, new areas of decay.
C) Remineralization - Another reason why cavities take time to form.
Beyond just demineralization, there's another important dynamic that takes place with teeth. If conditions are right, a tooth can undergo "remineralization."
This process helps to counteract damage that has occurred during the demineralization phase. In effect, it's like tooth decay in reverse.
How does remineralization reverse cavity formation?
When conditions at a tooth's surface are non-acidic (a pH 7.5 or above), the process of remineralization has a chance to take place.
When it does, minerals drawn from the oral environment (saliva, the fluid in plaque, foods & beverages, oral rinses, toothpaste, etc...) are re-deposited onto the tooth. As they are, they're able to repair and rebuild the tooth's damaged apatite crystals (the main calcified component of teeth).
Remineralization will continue on ...
- Until the repair is complete, or at least completed to the highest degree possible, thus reversing the damage that was caused by the demineralization process.
- Or until the pH of the mouth drops below 7.5 (such as the case where dental plaque has reformed, the bacteria in it feed on dietary sugars, and as a result start producing acidic waste products again).
It's a constant tug-of-war.
This back-and-forth action between demineralization and remineralization (both can take place several times a day) is one reason why cavities typically take many months, or even years, to form.
The damage caused by tooth decay can be repaired by remineralization.
- In some cases, the remineralization process will be able to balance out the damage created by demineralization.
- However in those cases where there's heavy plaque accumulation or the person has a high or frequent sugar intake, the balance between the two processes will likely tip to the side that favors decay formation.
Our second graphic illustrates how cavity formation is able to progress when dental plaque is present.
But then if the tooth's surface is kept plaque-free, remineralization has a chance to take place and repair at least some of the damage that's occurred.
D) Signs that a full-fledged cavity has finally formed.
The constant back and forth between demineralization and remineralization can continue on indefinitely. (In fact, it will continue to occur on various aspects of your teeth throughout your entire life.)
As it does, one of three scenarios will ultimately play out. Although how long this takes is entirely indefinite.
- In the case where conditions primarily favor remineralization, the tooth will remain intact and healthy.
- If demineralization tends to predominate, decay formation will advance. The earliest sign of an actual cavity forming is termed a "white-spot lesion." We discuss their formation and appearance here.
- Over time, if local conditions remain favorable for demineralization, an outright cavity will finally form. This will typically take a few months or even years.
Frank cavities frequently involve the situation where softened, demineralized tooth structure is lost. So if the affected surface of your tooth is one you can visualize, you'll likely see that a portion is missing (hence the term "cavity," as in hole).
Of course, you can't see what's going on in between your teeth. Fortunately however your dentist can. Here's how they check for cavities using x-rays.
E) All cavities require prompt attention.
Just because cavities can take a long time to form, doesn't mean that once they've been diagnosed they don't need immediate attention.
If you have the situation where tooth damage is readily visible, or your tooth experiences sensitivity due to the presence of decay, it must be resolved promptly. Delaying treatment will only worsen the outlook for your tooth's repair and health.
Full menu for this topic - ▼
- Cavity formation -
- Types of decay -
- Prevention -
- How fluoride prevents cavities. / Fluoride side effects (fluorosis).
- Toothpastes -