Have you ever put off making a dentist appointment because of cost or just plain dread? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, a recent study found that one in three young adults skip the dentist—putting themselves at greater risk for future health problems. But what’s really behind this trend? And why isn’t dental care treated as essential as any other part of our health?
Why Do So Many Young Adults Skip the Dentist?
Let’s face it—going to the dentist isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun. But for young adults in the United States, skipping routine checkups is much more common than you might think. There are a few big reasons behind this:
- Cost: Dental care is expensive—especially if you don’t have insurance.
- Lack of Insurance: Most medical insurance plans exclude dental coverage.
- College and Work Schedules: Juggling classes or new jobs makes it easy to push off appointments.
- No Symptoms Yet: Many people wait until they feel pain or see a problem to make an appointment.
Unlike regular doctor visits or even eye exams, dental appointments just aren’t seen as urgent unless there’s a toothache involved.
The Long-Term Risks of Skipping Dental Visits
What’s the big deal if you miss a cleaning or two? Turns out, skipping the dentist can come with some pretty serious consequences down the line.
– Cavities and Tooth Decay: Without regular checkups, small cavities can turn into bigger problems that require costly fixes.
– Gum Disease: Early signs are easy to miss but can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
– Links to Other Health Issues: Poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and even some cancers.
– Pain and Emergencies: Waiting until there’s pain often means dealing with infections or emergency procedures.
In other words, neglecting your teeth now can set up bigger (and more expensive) problems later.
Dentistry Isn’t Integrated With Health Insurance—or Public Health
One reason so many young adults skip the dentist boils down to how our system is set up. In the U.S., most medical insurance plans don’t include dental coverage. That means either buying a separate dental plan (which can be pricey) or paying out of pocket each time you need care.
And while there are lots of public campaigns talking about flu shots or eating healthy foods, oral health rarely gets mentioned outside school assemblies. Preventative dental care just isn’t built into larger public health efforts—even though it clearly affects overall well-being.
A Real-Life Example: Emily’s Story
Let me tell you about Emily—a friend who recently shared her experience with me. She skipped going to the dentist throughout college because she didn’t have insurance and “nothing hurt.” Fast forward a couple years after graduation—she finally went in for a checkup when she noticed some bleeding gums and sensitivity. The result? She needed two fillings and a deep cleaning that cost her hundreds out-of-pocket.
Emily told me she wished someone had stressed how much regular cleanings could save her money—and pain—in the long run. Her story isn’t unique; lots of young adults find themselves in similar situations simply because routine care doesn’t seem urgent until there’s already a problem.
How Can We Make Dental Care More Accessible?
So what can be done about all this? Here are a few ideas that could help more young adults get regular dental care:
- Integrate basic dental coverage into standard medical insurance plans.
- Add oral health education into broader public health campaigns.
- Offer affordable clinics on college campuses and in communities.
- Encourage employers to provide comprehensive benefits that include dental coverage.
Making these changes would help shift our mindset—treating oral health as an essential part of overall wellness instead of something extra.
It’s clear that when one in three young adults skips seeing their dentist regularly, we’re dealing with more than just busy schedules; we’re facing systemic issues around access and awareness.
So here’s my question for you: When was your last trip to the dentist—and do you think it should be easier (and cheaper) for everyone to take care of their teeth?
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