“How fast does tooth decay spread?”
I am a 29 year old female. I want to know how fast does tooth decay spread?
7 Answers
It depends on your consumption of sugar intake.
It varies with the density of the enamel and the exposure to sugar. Decay is an acid erosion produced by the bacteria in the mouth and is partially controlled by routine dental visits and good home care.
Once the cavity gets to the second layer of your tooth which is called dentin...it is similar to a bone structure so the decay can work through the tubules of your teeth and the decay happens very fast.
Without proper oral hygiene and good diet, dental decay can be rapid.
As usual with many questions that come my way, the best answer is, it depends. Since all decay comes from some sort of acid attack, how it spreads and grows is determined by:
*1. Type of acid exposure **
*2. Duration of acid exposure **
*3. Frequency of exposure **
*4. Frequency of personal oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) **
*5. Efficiency of personal oral hygiene **
*6. Type of personal oral hygiene **
*7. Frequency of professional oral hygiene.*
Someone who brushes for 30 seconds 10 times a day, but never flosses may have a more rapid progression of tooth decay than someone who brushes 2 minutes or longer at least twice a day and also flosses. Someone who has a sugary diet throughout the day will have more rapid decay than someone who may not brush as well, but has virtually eliminated sweets and acidic food and drink. The secret to avoiding decay is *limiting* acid exposure, frequency, and duration, while *increasing* the frequency and efficiency of personal and professional oral hygiene, Some very small beginning cavities can actually be halted and sometimes reversed by proper care.
Michael A. Conrad, DDS, PC
*1. Type of acid exposure **
*2. Duration of acid exposure **
*3. Frequency of exposure **
*4. Frequency of personal oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) **
*5. Efficiency of personal oral hygiene **
*6. Type of personal oral hygiene **
*7. Frequency of professional oral hygiene.*
Someone who brushes for 30 seconds 10 times a day, but never flosses may have a more rapid progression of tooth decay than someone who brushes 2 minutes or longer at least twice a day and also flosses. Someone who has a sugary diet throughout the day will have more rapid decay than someone who may not brush as well, but has virtually eliminated sweets and acidic food and drink. The secret to avoiding decay is *limiting* acid exposure, frequency, and duration, while *increasing* the frequency and efficiency of personal and professional oral hygiene, Some very small beginning cavities can actually be halted and sometimes reversed by proper care.
Michael A. Conrad, DDS, PC
There is no standard formula to determine the spread of decay. There are a lot of factors like hygiene and the amount of enamel, which regulate the spread of decay. I would recommend regular checkups and cleanings so we can take care of the decay when it is small, as it can spread into the nerve, which would require root canal treatment.
Thanks.
Thanks.
It is very variable. Each person has a different decay rate. Once it has broken through the enamel layer of the tooth, it should be treated.
