Millenials Face Unexpected Dental Problems

Do you think it's just little children chomping on sticky candy or older people struggling with tooth loss that are filling up dental chairs?

Think again. More and more young adults, age 18-34 years, are being seen for dental problems. If some millennials aren’t smiling, there’s good reason. A recent study by the American Dental Association (ADA) found they’re in a world of hurt – from tooth pain, trouble biting and chewing, and anxiety about the poor condition of their teeth.

Decaying teeth and gum problems make one in three young adults aged 18 to 34 (33%) reluctant to smile, the ADA found. About one in five have cut back on socializing as a result of dental problems. And one in three say the appearance of their teeth and mouth undermines their ability to interview for a job.  This study also found:

• More than 30% of young adults have untreated tooth decay (the highest of any age group)
• 35% have trouble biting and chewing
• They are three times more likely than children to lack dental care due to financial reasons, with only 30% of millennials visiting the dentist each year.
• Tooth pain was the most common dental complaint.

If tooth pain and anxiety surrounding poor dental conditions aren’t bad enough, attaining affordable dental insurance is viewed as difficult for much of this generation, who are often struggling to find jobs and pay off student loans. A large segment of millennials work part-time or as freelancers, which means they do not have access to employer-sponsored dental plans.

A visit to the dentist is not always a top priority, but here's why you shouldn't let this preventive measure slide:

• Most dental problems, such as decay or periodontal disease, will just get worse if left untreated.
• When a dental emergency occurs, being established with a dentist really helps you save money and often results in better care. 
• Dental procedures, even common ones, take time away from work, and sometimes require multiple visits, while a routine cleaning and exam takes about 30 minutes each six months.
• What you spend on a crown for a decayed tooth, or treatment for periodontal disease, probably could have paid for several years of preventive care (and you would have avoided the problem altogether).
• Research is clear about the connection between oral health and your overall health. Dental problems can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's diabetic complications and respiratory problems. Oral HPV is seen more and more in young adults and is a primary risk factor of cancer. It just makes sense to maintain your oral health.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, we want you to have a confident, healthy smile. We offer flexible - and often same day - scheduling for preventive and urgent care and a convenient downtown location.  Do you have an urgent, or emergency dental concern?  We see our established patients on weekends and holidays.

If you have insurance, we are “in network” provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina, CIGNA and Delta Dental Premier, and will conveniently file all other insurances for you. For our uninsured patients, we offer the St. Mary’s Street Dental Savings Plan, an in-office discounted plan to make regular preventive care and treatment more affordable.  We also participate in Care Credit dental financing, which offers a low monthly payment plan for dental treatments.

Don't neglect your dental health.  Call us today at 919 755 3450 to schedule an appointment.