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 does stress in the thirties contribute to dental problems, as explained by Dr. Sahil Patel?
**Interview with Dr. Sahil Patel on Dental Changes Across Decades**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Sahil Patel, cosmetic dentist and founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic. Today, we’re diving into the significant changes our teeth undergo as we age, from our twenties to our sixties. Thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Patel:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important aspect of dental health.
**Editor:** Let’s start with the twenties. What common dental issues do people face during this decade?
**Dr. Patel:** In our twenties, the lower jaw completes its development. This growth can lead to crowding of the front teeth, which might make them appear crooked or irregular. Additionally, many individuals deal with the emergence of wisdom teeth, which can create discomfort and potentially necessitate removal. If they opt to keep their wisdom teeth, cleaning them can be challenging due to their location at the back of the mouth [[1](https://www.cdhp.org/why-are-my-teeth-shifting-as-i-get-older/)].
**Editor:** Moving into the thirties, what changes should people anticipate in their oral health?
**Dr. Patel:** In your thirties, stress from life events like work and family can lead to habits such as teeth grinding, known as bruxism. This can significantly accelerate tooth wear, causing them to appear flatter or more rounded. Additionally, hormonal changes, particularly from pregnancy, can increase susceptibility to gingivitis, leading to swollen and bleeding gums if not properly managed [[1](https://www.cdhp.org/why-are-my-teeth-shifting-as-i-get-older/)].
**Editor:** And what about our forties?
**Dr. Patel:** During the forties, individuals may start to notice more pronounced tooth wear. This can alter the visual appearance of lower teeth, making them seem larger due to a decrease in lip tissue over time. Tooth erosion also becomes more common, leading to concerns like cracked or receding gums. At this stage, if intervention isn’t sought, further deterioration can occur, which may require restorative procedures like ceramic fillings [[1](https://www.cdhp.org/why-are-my-teeth-shifting-as-i-get-older/)].
**Editor:** in our fifties and beyond, what should we be prepared for?
**Dr. Patel:** In the fifties, many people begin to notice yellowing of their teeth, which is often a normal part of aging. The ongoing effects of prior wear, along with potential dental issues like shifting teeth due to weakened gums and bone structure, can emerge as well. It’s vital to maintain regular dental check-ups to address any issues early [[1](https://www.cdhp.org/why-are-my-teeth-shifting-as-i-get-older/)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Patel, for these insights. Clearly, understanding these changes can empower individuals to take proactive steps in their dental care.
**Dr. Patel:** Absolutely! Awareness is the first step towards maintaining a healthy smile at any age.
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This interview highlights the progressive changes our teeth experience throughout different stages of life, encouraging proactive dental care as we age.
