How long does it take for caries to develop?
The duration of the development of caries can vary greatly and depends on many factors. The genetic makeup and the structure of the hard tooth substance play a major role. If the enamel is robust, caries can develop over several years; if it is less hard, the caries may have already manifested itself over weeks or months.
If softer enamel still has a reduced salivary flow rate, the caries development can progress even faster. Poor oral hygiene can exacerbate this situation. If the enamel has developed normally and has not yet been weakened by acid, it is assumed that an average of 4 years elapse between the initial caries and reaching the inner third of the enamel near the pulp.
Since the enamel of milk teeth is much softer than that of permanent teeth due to a different composition, caries can develop and spread much faster. However, because caries does not cause discomfort such as pain or pressure sensitivity until it reaches the dentin, the development of caries usually goes unnoticed by the patient. It is therefore difficult to limit how quickly or slowly caries can develop, as regular application of fluoride can prevent caries from progressing or even render it inactive.
If a caries is too advanced and has already reached the dentin, however, even fluoride cannot eliminate the tendency of the caries to spread. In general, however, it can be said that the progression of caries is much faster than in harder enamel due to the nature of the substances in the dentin. It is therefore difficult to limit how quickly or slowly caries can develop, as regular application of fluoride can prevent caries from progressing or even render it inactive. If a caries is too advanced and has already reached the dentin, but even fluoride cannot stop the caries from spreading. In general, however, it can be said that the progression of caries is much faster than in harder enamel due to the nature of the substances in the dentin.
