Dr. Marco Gargano, a dental practice owner, observes a clear generational shift: while older patients reliably schedule biannual checkups per American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines, Generation Z often only visits the dentist when in pain. This trend stems from unique pressures facing today's young adults.
Beyond Social Media Fears
While viral TikTok videos exaggerating procedures like root canals fuel dental anxiety (a 2025 survey found nearly half of Gen Z fears them based on online content), Dr. Gargano highlights deeper, practical barriers:
- The Debt Dilemma: Burdened by record personal debt averaging over $94,000, Gen Z faces tough financial choices. Rising living costs make routine dental exams seem discretionary. "Many young adults lack dental insurance or find out-of-pocket costs prohibitively high, discouraging both preventive and necessary care," explains Gargano. Without obvious symptoms, checkups feel unnecessary.
- The Time Crunch: The oldest Gen Zers, born in 1997, are navigating demanding twenties – building careers, social lives, and independence. Packed schedules make squeezing in appointments difficult. Geographic accessibility can also be a hurdle if clinics aren't conveniently located.
- The Embarrassment Factor: Delaying visits creates its own barrier. An Aspen Dental-commissioned study revealed 27% of Gen Z admitted lying to their dentist to avoid judgment. "Collectively, these factors create significant barriers," Gargano states, "underscoring the need for solutions addressing affordability, accessibility, trust, and stigma."
Prioritizing the Smile Generation
Despite skipping checkups, Gen Z cares deeply about their smiles. A Forbes Health survey found 72% compare their smiles to others on social media, leading to self-consciousness or reliance on filters.
Maintaining oral health requires consistent effort: brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily (flossing or alternatives). However, professional cleanings are irreplaceable for removing tartar that causes decay and gum disease – problems brushing alone can't prevent.
Taking the First Step
Gargano encourages those nervous after a long gap to be honest: "We're there to help you feel comfortable and supported. By making dental care a priority and working with your dental team, you'll set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy habits and confident smiles."
For those uninsured or concerned about cost, many practices, including Aspen Dental, offer financing solutions. Overcoming the barriers starts with acknowledging them and seeking help.
FAQs
- Why is Gen Z less likely to visit the dentist regularly than older generations?
Gen Z faces significant barriers including high personal debt making costs prohibitive, lack of dental insurance, demanding schedules making appointments hard to schedule, geographic inaccessibility, and embarrassment stemming from long gaps between visits. Social media misinformation amplifying dental fears also plays a role.
2. How does social media impact Gen Z's dental health habits?
Platforms like TikTok often spread exaggerated or frightening content about procedures like root canals, increasing anxiety. Furthermore, constant comparison leads 72% of Gen Z to compare their smiles online, increasing self-consciousness but not necessarily translating into preventive dental care.
3. What are the risks of skipping regular dental checkups?
Skipping professional cleanings allows tartar to build up, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and potentially more complex and expensive procedures later (like fillings, root canals, or extractions). Early detection of issues is missed, and minor problems can escalate.
4. What solutions exist for Gen Z struggling with dental care access?
Solutions include exploring financing plans offered by many dental offices, discussing cost concerns upfront with the dental team, seeking clinics with convenient locations or hours, prioritizing dental health within busy schedules, and being honest with the dentist about any anxiety or previous gaps in care to rebuild trust.