As we age, we see signs of it everywhere—our skin gets more wrinkly, our bones feel more achy & our hairs turn more gray. One body part that has one of the most easily tracked outward changes as we go through various life stages is our teeth. From the baby years to the senior ones, our teeth change & evolve with us.
Stage 1: The Baby Years
Before you even had the ability to say “cheese,” baby teeth were already coming in! Most babies get their first teeth around six months & usually have their full set of 20 baby teeth by age three. These teeth help you to eat, speak & smile for the first time—as well as give your face some shape & form.
However, you cannot get too attached because these teeth are only temporary placeholders. Around age six, they start falling out to make space for adult teeth.
Stage 2: The Teen Years
By age 13, most children will have all of their adult teeth in place—28 teeth consisting of incisors, canines, premolars & molars. Then, sometime between ages 17 & 25, your wisdom teeth—also known as your “third set of molars”—erupt in the very back of your mouth. Some people are lucky & their wisdom teeth grow in smoothly without any issues. For others though, the wisdom teeth may grow in sideways or get stuck in the gums, leading to potential pain, crowding & infection. As a result, many choose to get theirs removed.
For the most part, these adult teeth will last you a lifetime if taken care of well. For many, once all of their teeth have erupted & settled, this is also the prime time to get braces to fix any forms of crowding, gaps or crookedness in their smile.
Stage 3: The Adult Years
In your 20s & 30s, your teeth are in their prime—though there may be some signs of subtle wear & tear starting as early as your 30s. Your teeth are built for durability, but things like plaque buildup, tooth decay & gum disease can make them vulnerable. Regular dental care, including brushing, flossing & routine cleanings at your dentist, becomes essential during this stage.
Stage 4: The Middle-Aged Years
By your 40s & 50s, your teeth have had a good run, but they’re not invincible. This stage is when the inevitable effects of aging on your teeth & gums begin to show more visibly. Gum recession, the slow loss of enamel & tooth decay become more common & apparent.
Tooth decay isn’t just about sugary snacks—dry mouth, a common issue among adults in this age group, can exacerbate the problem. Medications, like antihistamines, antidepressants & blood pressure drugs, are also often contribute to dry mouth. This decrease in saliva can lead to plaque buildup, which can then turn into cavities.
On the positive side, modern dentistry offers a variety of treatments to restore your smile, such as crowns, fillings & even implants.
Stage 5: The Golden Years
By your 60s, a majority of people will have experienced some form of tooth loss whether through decay, injury, or natural wear. Most people tend to lose their adult teeth between the ages of 50 & 70. However, with modern dentistry, many can still eat, speak & smile with ease because of all of the replacement options available. Between dentures, implants or bridges, you can consult your dentist about which would be the best for your needs.
Your teeth may change as you age, but with the right care, they can last you a lifetime. Each stage of life brings new challenges & opportunities to keep your teeth, but whether you’re dealing with teething, braces, or wisdom teeth, remember to brush, floss & visit the dentist regularly. The good habits will be what ultimately get you a smile that stands the test of time!
Sources
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/eruption-charts
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/expert-answers/baby-teeth/faq-20058532
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23223-wisdom-teeth
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth
https://www.smilerepublicortho.com/the-ultimate-guide-at-what-age-do-teeth-fall-out-in-adults/
