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
#ages #years.. #occur #teeth #time
What are the common dental issues individuals face in their twenties according to Dr. Sahil Patel?
**Interview with Dr. Sahil Patel on Dental Changes Across Decades**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Patel. Let’s dive right into it. You’ve outlined some significant changes that occur in our teeth and gums from our 20s to our 60s. Could you start by explaining what happens in our twenties?
**Dr. Patel**: Absolutely! In our twenties, the face, particularly the lower jaw, completes its development. This can lead to crowding of the front teeth, which may appear crooked or misaligned. It’s a critical time for many individuals as this crowding can accelerate tooth wear. Additionally, this decade often witnesses the emergence of wisdom teeth—these can cause pain and might need to be removed if they lead to discomfort or difficulties in cleaning.
**Interviewer**: That sounds challenging! Moving into our thirties, what changes should we expect?
**Dr. Patel**: The thirties can be particularly stressful due to various life changes—work, family, and even hormonal shifts like pregnancy. This stress can contribute to bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can wear down teeth and alter their shape. Hormonal changes can also heighten susceptibility to gum disease, such as gingivitis, where gums may bleed more readily. Regular dental visits are crucial during this time to catch these issues early.
**Interviewer**: And what about our forties? What should we be aware of as we age further?
**Dr. Patel**: In our forties, people often start to notice the effects of cumulative wear on their teeth. This can manifest as tooth erosion, leading to the appearance of larger lower teeth when smiling due to loss of lip tissue, which is a part of the natural aging process. Gum health can decline, leading to receding gums and potentially exposing the teeth to further damage. It’s essential to seek professional help during this decade to prevent further complications.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned issues like tooth erosion and gum health deterioration. How does that set us up for our fifties and sixties?
**Dr. Patel**: As we move into our fifties and beyond, yellowing of the teeth often becomes more pronounced, and conditions like dry mouth can arise, which increases the risk for cavities and decay. Daily oral care becomes even more important, along with regular check-ups. Ensuring a healthy diet and proper hydration will continue to support oral health as we age.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Patel. It’s clear that taking care of our teeth through these decades is vital. What final advice do you have for our readers?
**Dr. Patel**: My key advice is to maintain routine dental check-ups, practice good oral hygiene, stay informed about the changes that can occur in your mouth as you age, and take preventative measures. Everyone should embrace their unique smile while being proactive about their dental health.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your insights today, Dr. Patel! This information is invaluable for our understanding of oral health across the decades.
**Dr. Patel**: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to prioritize our oral health at every age.