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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What are the most common dental changes that occur in our twenties, and how can they be addressed?
**Interview with Dr. Sahil Patel on Dental Changes Across the Decades**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Patel. Your insights on how our teeth change throughout life are fascinating. Can you start by explaining what happens to our teeth in our twenties?
**Dr. Patel:** Absolutely. In our twenties, the lower jaw completes its development, which often leads to crowding of the front teeth. This crowding can make them appear crooked, and if left unchecked, it may cause faster wear on the teeth. Many young adults seek orthodontic treatment to address these issues. Furthermore, this is also when wisdom teeth emerge, which can cause pain and make cleaning difficult, sometimes necessitating their removal.
**Interviewer:** That sounds significant! What about our thirties? What changes should we anticipate?
**Dr. Patel:** In your thirties, life stressors like work and family can impact oral health significantly. Many people experience bruxism, which is the grinding of teeth, a habit often exacerbated by stress. This can lead to accelerated tooth wear, giving teeth a flatter appearance. Additionally, hormonal changes that may occur during pregnancy can lead to gingivitis, making gums more susceptible to infection and bleeding. Regular dental visits become crucial to manage these problems effectively.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! Moving into our forties, what should individuals be aware of regarding their dental health?
**Dr. Patel:** In the forties, many start noticing normal tooth wear. Age-related changes, such as decreased lip tissue, can make lower teeth appear larger when smiling, which can be concerning for some people. Tooth erosion becomes more prevalent, leading to issues like cracked or receding gums. If these problems are not addressed, they can worsen, potentially requiring interventions like ceramic fillings to repair and preserve the tooth structure.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what trends do you see in the fifties and beyond?
**Dr. Patel:** In your fifties, yellowing of the teeth often occurs, which can be attributed to various factors including diet, dental hygiene, and the natural aging process. We also see an increased risk for more significant dental issues if preventive care has not been prioritized. Regular check-ups become even more important to address any arising complications.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Patel, for sharing these valuable insights into how our teeth change over time. It’s clear that maintaining oral health is a lifelong commitment!
**Dr. Patel:** Thank you for having me! It’s important to be proactive about dental health at every age to ensure a bright and healthy smile for years to come.
