How long does a cavity take to form?

[Kml1998]

I am wondering how long a cavity takes to form
Thanks

 

[Gordon]

There are so many variables it's utterly impossible to answer.

 

[Kml1998]

@Gordon okay thanks, can they develop in a matter of weeks?

 

[letsconnect]

No, you're talking in the order of months, if not years (depending on lots of variables, especially diet/sugar intake, but also things like health conditions or habits which cause dry mouth, the bacteria that are present, genetics, fluoride, child vs. adult, etc., and then the question of whether these conditions/behaviours are consistently present or only intermittently... hence Gordon's comment about it being impossible to answer, I presume!).

To get a general idea, have a look here:

How long does it take a cavity to form? | Why?

A cavity can form in just a few months, or it may take years. | What factors influence how quickly tooth decay forms and advances?

www.animated-teeth.com

I also came across this handy infographic which doesn't require as much reading: