Skipping Dental Checkups in Your 20s? Here’s Why You Don't Want To

Millions of Americans understand the importance of a bright, healthy smile. However, new data from Risas Dental paints a concerning picture, particularly among young adults. In 2024 alone, a staggering 44,855 patients aged 18-24 under the Risas Dental umbrella failed to show up for their scheduled dental appointments. This signifies an alarming growing trend of young adults neglecting their oral health, a habit that could have serious long-term consequences.

Nationwide, the issue is significant, with approximately 15 percent of all dental appointments going unattended.

Why Are Young Adults Skipping the Dentist?

According to Dr. Elizabeth Walton, co-founder and clinical director of Risas Dental in Phoenix, the reasons behind a missed single visit can vary. Common reasons include:

They forget

Between school, work, and social lives, young adults are constantly on the move. When an appointment is booked weeks or months in advance, it’s easy to forget. Appointment reminders and confirmations can significantly improve attendance rates.

They don’t have the money

Dental care can be expensive, and financial concerns often prevent people from seeking treatment. Flexible payment plans, healthcare credit options like CareCredit, and affordable services can make a huge difference.

They’re afraid

Dental anxiety is common – no one enjoys being poked and prodded. Fortunately, there are ways to combat your fear.

“There are many ways to deal with dental anxiety. Some people find meditation and box breathing helps. Others might require medication. Mostly, no one wants to need dental work. So, I believe the best way to handle your dental anxiety is by making sure you don’t get any cavities! Daily flossing, brushing, use of fluoride toothpaste, a diet low in sugar and carbohydrates will go a long way to help prevent decay and therefore, keep your anxiety in check! Also, regular checkups will help you develop a trust relationship with your dentist and decrease the likelihood that you will need anxiety-inducing treatment,” Dr. Walton shares.

Last-minute conflicts

Life happens – emergencies and scheduling conflicts are inevitable. Practices that offer easy rescheduling via text or phone and maintain a waitlist system to fill last-minute cancellations can keep patients engaged and reduce no-shows.

The Importance of Staying on Track

While the consequences of a missed appointment may seem minimal, consistently skipping checkups paves the way for a host of preventable problems, including the development of painful cavities, the onset of debilitating gum disease, and ultimately, the risk of tooth loss.

“People seem to think that if they have a toothache and it goes away when they are waiting for their appointment, their problem has gone away. This is certainly not the case. In fact, it could mean your problem just got worse,” Dr. Walton tells BlackDoctor.org.

One of the best ways to keep costs and pain to a minimum is to have regular checkups with the dentist.

“The best way to keep dental costs down is to see your dentist every six months. That way, we can catch the issue before it gets bigger and more expensive to fix,” Dr. Walton adds.

Here are Dr. Walton’s tips to help you stay on track with dental appointments:

Set Reminders – Use phone alarms, calendar notifications, or appointment reminder texts to avoid forgetting scheduled visits.
Communicate with Your Dentist – If anxiety is a concern, talk to your dentist about your fears and discuss options for making visits more comfortable.
Practice Relaxation Techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music can help ease dental anxiety.
Use Distractions – Bring headphones and listen to your favorite music or a podcast during your appointment to stay relaxed.
Seek Support – If you’re nervous, bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointment for reassurance.
Explore Sedation Options – For those with severe dental anxiety, ask your dentist about laughing gas or oral sedation to make visits easier.
Address Financial Concerns – Look into payment plans, dental discount programs, or healthcare credit options to make visits more affordable.

“It is easy to forget to schedule dental and medical appointments. A lot of people do annual appointments near their birthday or at the beginning of the calendar year. In the case of your six-month checkups, it will help you remember to schedule on your birthday and six months later. At Risas Kids, we help you remember by scheduling your next visit before you leave the office. You will get texts, emails, or phone calls two weeks before your appointment. That way, if the day is no longer convenient, there is plenty of time to call and reschedule,” Dr. Walton concludes.