Tooth decay is one of the most common oral and dental problems that, if ignored in the early stages, can penetrate into the deeper layers of the tooth and even reach the nerve of the tooth. But the important question here is how long it takes for tooth decay to reach the nerve? That is, how long does this event take exactly and is it possible to stop it before reaching this stage? In the continuation of this article from Dr. Benianian's dental site, we will answer all these questions so that you can maintain your oral and dental health with more knowledge to prevent decay from reaching the nerve of your teeth. What is tooth decay and how does it start? Tooth decay is a gradual process that occurs due to the accumulation of microbial plaques, food residues and lack of oral hygiene. During this process, the bacteria in your mouth turn the sugars you consume (from natural fruit and date sugar to artificial sweeteners and drinks) into acid. Acids that destroy tooth enamel and if left untreated, penetrate deep into the tooth layer by layer. Stages of progress of tooth decay and its reaching the nerve Before tooth decay reaches a stage that requires complex treatments such as nerve extraction, it goes through several specific stages. We have translated these stages for you based on an authoritative article entitled "Tooth Decay Stages": **1. First stage: surface damage to tooth enamel** In this stage, the first stage of tooth damage is caused by caries, which usually has no pain or symptoms. At this stage, the decay is limited to the surface layer of tooth enamel and can be easily repaired. **2. The second stage: Penetration into the dentine** As the decay progresses, the damage from the outer enamel of the tooth reaches the dentin. Ivory is more sensitive than enamel. For this reason, a person may show sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods at this stage. **3. The third stage: decay reaches the tooth nerve** If the decay is not treated, it reaches the pulp or the nerve of the tooth. At this stage, the patient will experience severe pain and denervation becomes necessary. For information on the price of tooth denervation 1404, refer to the relevant page. Exactly how long does it take for tooth decay to reach the nerve? The answer to the question "How long does it take for tooth decay to reach the nerve?" It depends on several factors. It means that we cannot set an exact and same time for all people. Because a person may try to prevent the progress of decay by observing the hygiene of his mouth and teeth and helping the restoration process of the tooth crown after finding out about the surface decay of his teeth; But another person continues to not observe oral and dental hygiene! But if we want to explain more generally, we must say that tooth decay is a gradual process that may reach the nerve within a few months to a few years if not treated. On average, it takes between 6 months and 2 years to reach the nerve if the decay is ignored in the early stages. Although this time can be shorter or longer for some people. Of course, before reaching this stage, symptoms appear in the person, which, if paid attention to in time, can prevent more complicated treatments. If you also have a question about the price of denervation of tooth number 6, we have explained it in detail on the page **cost of denervation**. ### **Factors affecting the speed of tooth decay** The progression of tooth decay depends on several factors that can increase or decrease the rate of destruction of dental tissue. Factors such as oral hygiene, type of diet, position of the tooth in the mouth, oral saliva, genetics and daily habits all play a key role in determining how quickly decay reaches the nerve. ### 1. Oral hygiene Not brushing regularly, not using dental floss, and not visiting the dentist periodically cause plaques and bacteria to remain on the teeth and increase the rate of decay to a significant extent. ### 2. High sugar diet Frequent consumption of sugary substances and sweet drinks causes continuous feeding of oral bacteria and they produce more acid that destroys tooth enamel faster. ### 3. The position of the teeth in the mouth Posterior teeth (such as molars) are more prone to bacteria accumulation and decay reaches the nerve faster due to the more difficult access for cleaning. ### 4. The amount and quality of saliva Saliva plays a vital role in washing the mouth and neutralizing acid. In people who have dry mouth or reduced saliva secretion, tooth decay spreads more quickly. ### 5. Genetic factors The structure of tooth enamel, the composition of saliva and even the shape of teeth can be influenced by genetics and reduce or increase the resistance of teeth to decay. ### 6. Bad oral habits Habits such as frequently eating sweet snacks, drinking acidic drinks such as soft drinks and industrial juices, or ignoring tooth pain and sensitivity, can all cause decay (without us realizing it) to progress to the tooth nerve. Signs of tooth decay reaching the nerve It is possible to detect the decay reaching the tooth nerve from some signs. These symptoms include: - Severe and continuous pain (especially at night) - Extreme sensitivity to heat and cold - Throbbing sensation in the teeth - Tooth discoloration (darkening or graying) - Swelling and inflammation of the gums around the teeth If you have any of these symptoms, it is best to see a dentist immediately. **Nazi Benianian:** > The topic of tooth color change in this situation is different from tooth color change after nerve extraction. So it is better not to confuse these two factors with each other. Why should we not ignore the decay reaching the nerve of the tooth? If the decay reaches the nerve of the tooth and is not treated, it can lead to an abscess, severe infection, complete destruction of the tooth, and even the spread of infection to other areas of the body. On the other hand, if the dental treatment is supposed to be a simple tooth filling at this stage, it may lead to nerve extraction or even tooth extraction in the next stages. Treatments that are more expensive, more painful, and require more time to recover. Prevention of decay reaching the tooth nerve To prevent serious damage to the teeth, it is necessary to start preventive measures from the initial stages of decay. Observance of oral and dental hygiene, modification of lifestyle and regular visits to the dentist are among the most important ways to restore tooth enamel at home, which can prevent decay from reaching the tooth nerve. In the table below, we have included the most important preventive measures with a brief explanation for each.