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.
“Crowing 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: Teeth wear and gum health decline
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 our thirties contribute to dental health issues, as discussed by Dr. Sahil Patel?
**Interview with Dr. Sahil Patel on Dental Changes Across Decades**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Sahil Patel, cosmetic dentist and founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic. Today, we’re discussing the significant changes that occur in our teeth over the decades. Let’s start with our twenties. What can we expect during this stage?
**Dr. Patel:** Thank you for having me! In your twenties, the biggest change is the completion of the facial structure, particularly the lower jaw. This can lead to crowding of the front teeth, often making them appear crooked or irregular. The crowding may also contribute to faster wear of the teeth. Additionally, we see the emergence of wisdom teeth, which can be quite uncomfortable. Many people choose to have them removed due to the difficulty of maintaining proper oral hygiene in that area.
**Interviewer:** That makes a lot of sense. Moving into our thirties, what are the common dental issues we should be aware of?
**Dr. Patel:** In our thirties, stress plays a significant role. Factors like career pressures or family responsibilities can lead to bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can cause the teeth to become flat and accelerate wear. Furthermore, hormonal changes, especially for those who experience pregnancy, can increase the susceptibility to gum disease, such as gingivitis, leading to swollen or bleeding gums. It’s crucial to maintain regular dental visits during this time to prevent these issues from escalating.
**Interviewer:** As we enter our forties, what changes might we encounter?
**Dr. Patel:** In your forties, you may notice the effects of normal wear on your teeth. This can be exacerbated by the natural aging process, which might cause lips to lose volume, making lower teeth appear larger when you smile. Tooth erosion can lead to additional concerns, like cracked or receding gums, which expose the roots of the teeth and increase the risk of sensitivity or decay. Early intervention is vital—sometimes requiring procedures like ceramic fillings to restore function and aesthetics.
**Interviewer:** Fascinating insights, Dr. Patel. Lastly, what should we expect as we reach our fifties and sixties?
**Dr. Patel:** By the time individuals reach their fifties and sixties, it’s common to see further changes like yellowing of the teeth due to a combination of factors, including dietary habits and reduced enamel thickness. Gum health may continue to decline if not properly managed, leading to further complications. At this stage, maintaining a diligent oral care routine and regular check-ups becomes increasingly important to ensure long-term dental health.
**Interviewer:** Great advice, Dr. Patel. It’s clear that understanding these changes over the decades can help us take proactive steps to maintain our dental health.
**Dr. Patel:** Exactly! Awareness is key. With proper care, we can navigate each stage of life with healthy teeth and a confident smile.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your expertise today!
For more information on dental care across different life stages, visit [Marylebone Smile Clinic](https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/odontogenesis-5-stages-of-tooth-development).