These changes occur gradually, but some of them may appear at certain age stages.
In this regard, Dr. Sahil Patel, cosmetic dentist and founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic, reveals the major changes that occur in the teeth in every decade of life, from the age of 20 to 60.
The twenties: crowds and the calendar
In the twenties, the face, especially the lower jaw, completes its development. This stage of growth may cause the front teeth to crowd in the lower jaw, making the teeth appear crooked or irregular.
“Crowding in the lower jaw may lead to faster tooth wear,” Patel says. As a result, many people start looking for orthodontic solutions.
This decade also witnesses the appearance of wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth, which may cause pain in the lower jaw, and make some people decide to remove them. If you decide to keep it, you may have difficulty cleaning it well due to its location in the mouth.
30s: Gum problems and teeth grinding
As your 30s begin, life stresses, such as work, family obligations, and perhaps pregnancy, begin to affect your oral health.
Psychological stress may lead to the habit of grinding teeth (bruxism), whether during the day or night, which accelerates tooth wear and makes them appear flat or round.
In addition, hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy may lead to gingivitis, as the gums become more susceptible to bacteria and bleeding.
Patel explains that these changes may make teeth more susceptible to problems, and this may be exacerbated if visits to the dentist are irregular.
40s: Tooth erosion and decreased gum health
In your 40s, you may begin to notice normal tooth wear. These changes may cause your lower teeth to appear larger when smiling or speaking, which is a result of the decline of lip tissue due to aging.
Tooth erosion can also lead to additional problems such as cracked or receding gums, which exposes the teeth to further damage.
If medical intervention is not carried out at this stage, a deterioration in the condition of the teeth may occur, which requires treatment using ceramic fillings to repair the damaged teeth and rebuild the lost structure.
1950s: Yellowing of teeth and difficulty maintaining their natural color
In the 1950s, tooth yellowing becomes more noticeable. These changes are due to the accumulation of pigments from the foods and drinks we consume over the years, in addition to the natural effects of aging on the teeth, such as the decline of the nerve inside the tooth.
“Teeth begin to lose volume and become more crowded, which makes it difficult to clean them well,” Patel explains. The enamel that protects the teeth gradually erodes, making it more difficult to treat yellowing.
At this stage, the use of ceramics or implants is considered one of the most effective solutions to restore the aesthetic appearance of the teeth.
The 1960s: tooth loss and the need for medical intervention
As you reach your 60s, you are more likely to lose some teeth due to continued wear or other health problems.
“Few people reach the age of 60 without needing major medical interventions to maintain their teeth,” Patel says.
At this stage, some may need to have dentures or implants installed to maintain dental health and function, but you must be careful because dentures require constant maintenance and may affect the quality of daily life.
Source: The Sun
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How can stress in our thirties affect oral health and what preventive measures can be taken?
**Interview with Dr. Sahil Patel: Understanding Dental Changes Throughout Life**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Patel! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss how our teeth change as we age. Let’s start with an overview of what happens to our teeth in our twenties.
**Dr. Patel:** Thank you for having me! In our twenties, the face, especially the lower jaw, completes its development, which can lead to crowding of the front teeth. This often makes them appear crooked or irregular. Many individuals seek orthodontic solutions at this stage. Additionally, wisdom teeth typically emerge during this decade, which can cause discomfort. If left untreated, they can complicate oral hygiene due to their difficult positioning at the back of the mouth.
**Editor:** That makes a lot of sense. Moving into our thirties, I’ve heard that stress can play a role in our oral health. Could you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Patel:** Absolutely. In our thirties, life stressors—such as work and family responsibilities—can lead to habits like bruxism, or teeth grinding, which may happen consciously or during sleep. This grinding accelerates tooth wear and alters their shape, making them appear flatter. Moreover, hormonal fluctuations, particularly related to pregnancy, can increase the risk of gingivitis, as the gums become more sensitive to bacteria and bleeding.
**Editor:** Interesting! What about our forties? What dental changes should we be aware of during that decade?
**Dr. Patel:** In your forties, people may start to notice substantial tooth wear. This can affect the appearance of the lower teeth, making them appear larger due to a decline in lip tissue as we age. Tooth erosion becomes more common, potentially leading to cracked or receding gums, which further exposes the teeth to damage. At this stage, it is crucial to seek dental treatment, as failure to do so can result in significant deterioration that may require interventions like ceramic fillings.
**Editor:** And could you give us a preview of changes that might occur in our fifties and sixties?
**Dr. Patel:** Certainly! As we enter our fifties, tooth discoloration becomes more pronounced, often leading to a yellowing effect. Gum health may continue to decline, making it essential for individuals to maintain regular dental check-ups to address any emerging issues. By the sixties, many may experience further loss of teeth and gum health, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to dental care throughout life.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Patel, for providing such insightful information about how our oral health evolves over the decades. It’s essential for everyone to be aware of these changes and to seek timely dental care to maintain their smiles.
**Dr. Patel:** Thank you for the opportunity to share this crucial information! Regular check-ups and awareness of these changes can significantly impact our dental health and overall well-being.
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This interview encapsulates Dr. Sahil Patel’s insights on how dental health changes across different life stages, helping the audience understand the importance of proactive oral care.