A cavity does not instantly form overnight, even if you had one too many candy bars. Tooth decay is a slow-moving process that can occur for years before treatment is needed. Cavities are created by acids in the mouth demineralizing teeth surfaces, leading to the formation of tiny holes.
These cavities will continue to expand until they destroy the tooth or lead to infection. The early stages of tooth decay can be reversed with preventative dental procedures like fluoride treatments.
Figuring out when a cavity needs treatment
It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months.
No two mouths are unique, so there is no standard timeline for the development of cavities. Several factors, like a person’s oral hygiene habits and how often they consume sugary foods/beverages, affect how long it takes for a cavity to progress. Other factors that affect how long it takes before a cavity needs treatment include:
- The location of the tooth: Molars and other teeth in the back of the mouth tend to be more difficult to clean, so tooth decay tends to expand faster in those areas because it provides a better environment
- How healthy a person’s enamel is: Teeth with healthy enamel that gets all the nutrients it needs to re-mineralize itself, like fluoride, are not as vulnerable to quickly progressing tooth decay
- The location of the cavity: Enamel is the strongest part of the body, so a cavity that forms there will take longer to progress than one that develops in the dentin, which is not as durable
Dentists recommend coming in for treatment even if a cavity is still in its early stages. The decay can still be reversed at that point through the process of remineralization. This can prevent the early stage of tooth decay from turning into a cavity.
Decay is caused by teeth losing the minerals that keep them intact. Procedures like fluoride treatments can be used to infuse teeth with fluoride and other vital minerals. As a result, the tooth uses these minerals to repair the damage caused by the decay and strengthens itself.
Remineralization only works before large cavities form on teeth. Other treatments, like dental fillings, are needed once large cavities begin to develop.
Preventing cavities
Simple things, like good oral hygiene, can protect teeth against tooth decay. Brushing twice daily and flossing once each day are two important things that a person can do to protect their teeth against decay. Using an antibacterial mouthwash that contains fluoride provides additional protection. Other ways to prevent tooth decay include:
- Minimize sugary foods and beverages
- Get preventative treatments, like dental sealants
- Drink water
- Eat foods that contain minerals that teeth need, like green leafy vegetables for calcium
Stop tooth decay in its tracks
Stop the decay on your teeth before it turns into cavities or worse. Call or visit our Carmel clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 200-3679 for an appointment in our Carmel office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cavity in Carmel, IN.
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FAQs
It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further.
How long can you have a cavity before going to the dentist? ›
In some cases, early signs of tooth erosion in the enamel can be successfully treated with fluoride toothpaste or surface filling materials. But once an actual cavity forms, dentists usually recommend treating it within a year. It's also important to note that timelines can vary depending on your specific dental needs.
How long does it take for a cavity to become a problem? ›
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.
Can a cavity get worse in 2 weeks? ›
Generally speaking, small cavities can go without treatment for a few months or longer before becoming painful or causing other health problems. However, bigger cavities will require immediate attention from your dentist to prevent further damage.
How urgent is a tooth cavity? ›
See a dentist as soon as possible if you think you or your child has tooth decay. Early treatment can help stop it getting worse.
At what point is it too late to fill a cavity? ›
When the decay reaches the pulp, i.e. nerves and blood vessels, it can be too late for getting a filling and you may need a root canal treatment or in worst cases, an extraction may be the only option. That's the reason dentist near you wish to get cavities filled before they get too large.
At what point can a cavity not be fixed? ›
However, once the bacteria reaches the dentin, it becomes a point of no return. Demineralization appears as the white spot on the surface of our tooth that loses minerals due to the acid produced by plaque. Our tooth enamel is the strongest substance in our body.
What does a stage 2 cavity look like? ›
Stage 2—Enamel Decay
The second stage of tooth decay involves the further break down of tooth enamel. People who have developed white spots due to mineral loss will notice them turning a brownish color, which indicates even greater loss of minerals and enamel.
What is a Stage 1 early cavity? ›
Stage 1 early cavities usually do not cause pain and are discovered by a dentist or dental hygienist during a routine examination. They look like a small gray spot or a small area of missing enamel. These cavities do not usually hurt because they have not reached the dentin layer where nerves rest.
How do I know if my cavity has reached the pulp? ›
When cavities reach your pulp, you may feel pain. You may also start to notice redness and swelling in the gums around your tooth. The spots on your tooth may turn darker brown or black. Abscessed tooth: Left untreated, a deep cavity can cause infection.
If you have a cavity that has reached the nerve tissue, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms: Toothache when pressure (such as chewing) is applied to the tooth. Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold. Discoloration of the tooth.
What to do if you have a cavity but can't go to the dentist? ›
While you wait to be seen by the dentist, you can treat cavity pain at home with OTC anti-inflammatories and clove oil. Avoid hot, cold, sugary, or acidic food and drinks. Keep your mouth clean by gently brushing and flossing your teeth.
What does a bad cavity look like? ›
Often a cavity will look like a dark spot on the tooth, typically yellow, brown, or black in color. Early on, it may resemble tooth staining or a slight discoloration. As cavities progress, the holes get bigger and usually darker. A little dot can ultimately consume almost the entire tooth.
How long does it take for a cavity to destroy a tooth? ›
It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months. No two mouths are unique, so there is no standard timeline for the development of cavities.
What to do if your teeth are rotting and you can't afford to fix it? ›
Another place to look for low-cost care is The Bureau of Primary Health Care, a service of the Health Resources and Services Administration. Call 1-888-Ask-HRSA to find out about federally-funded community health centers across the country that provide free or reduced-cost health services, including dental care.
Can I wait a week to get a cavity filled? ›
If it's a small, emerging cavity, you may be able to wait a few weeks to have it filled, while bigger cavities shouldn't be ignored for long.
How bad can a cavity be and still be filled? ›
If the decay reaches your tooth's main structure, called dentin, then a filling can replace the lost tooth structure after your dentist has cleaned the cavity of bacteria and infection. However, if it reaches the tooth's center chamber, called the pulp, a filling may no longer suffice to address it.
What happens if you leave a cavity for too long? ›
The hole can eventually reach the layer of dentin beneath your enamel, causing severe pain and sensitivity. The cavity can also extend to the root of your tooth, causing an infection. If the infection is left untreated, it can lead to abscesses and bone loss, and in rare cases, it may become life-threatening.
