Many young adults quietly admit the same thing: “I know I should see a dentist, but it’s been a while.” Recent research suggests that about one in three Gen Z adults didn’t see a dentist in the past year. Dentists like Dr. Usman Ahmad are responding in a surprising place—your For You Page and YouTube feed—using short, honest videos to explain what skipping care today can mean for your smile 10 or 20 years from now.

This article unpacks why Gen Z is avoiding dental visits, how TikTok and YouTube dentists are trying to change that, and what you can realistically do—starting today—to protect your teeth and gums, even if you’ve delayed care.

Dentist talking with a young adult patient in a modern dental clinic
Many dentists now explain long‑term oral health to Gen Z on video before they ever meet in the clinic.

Why are so many Gen Z adults skipping the dentist?

Skipping a year of dental care doesn’t automatically doom your teeth, but repeated years without checkups significantly raise the risk of cavities, gum disease, and expensive treatments later. Survey data and clinical experience suggest a mix of reasons Gen Z often avoids making an appointment:

  • Cost and lack of insurance: Young adults are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured for dental care.
  • Anxiety and past bad experiences: Many still carry fears from painful or shaming childhood visits.
  • Busy, unstable schedules: School, multiple jobs, or gig work make it easy to push appointments “to later.”
  • Feeling fine now: Because early dental disease is often painless, it’s easy to assume everything is okay.
  • Mistrust and confusion: Not knowing what’s truly necessary can make dentistry feel like a sales pitch.

“When I talk to Gen Z patients about going to the dentist, I make one case: it’s about the future. If they don’t want a missing tooth, a marred smile, or difficulty eating later in life, small checkups now matter.”

— Dr. Usman Ahmad, dentist and digital educator

How TikTok and YouTube are changing dental health for Gen Z

Instead of relying only on pamphlets and postcards, more dentists now meet patients where they already spend time: on social platforms. Short‑form videos let them explain what really happens in a visit, show procedures step‑by‑step, and debunk trends that can harm teeth.

Young woman watching an educational video on her smartphone at home
For many Gen Z adults, a dental explanation on a phone screen feels safer than asking in a clinic chair.

Research on digital health shows that brief, visual content can improve understanding and motivation, especially for younger audiences used to learning online. While high‑quality clinical studies of “TikTok dentistry” are still limited, early evidence from broader digital health education suggests that:

  • Watching short health videos can increase knowledge and intentions to seek care.
  • Seeing real‑time explanations reduces fear of the unknown (a major driver of dental anxiety).
  • Stories and case examples make long‑term risks (like tooth loss) feel more real than abstract warnings.

“I watched a dentist on TikTok explain how a tiny cavity can turn into a root canal if you wait. I booked an appointment the next day because I realized I’d been ‘waiting and hoping’ for too long.”

— Maya, 23, delayed dental visits for four years

What really happens if you skip the dentist for years?

It’s normal to wonder, “Is it really that big of a deal if I don’t go every six months?” The answer isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all, but we do know some patterns from long‑term studies in oral health:

  1. Small cavities grow quietly. Enamel has no nerves, so early decay is painless. Over time, cavities can reach the inner tooth, causing pain, infection, or abscess.
  2. Gum disease advances slowly. Gingivitis (bleeding gums) can progress to periodontitis, where bone support is lost, eventually leading to loose or missing teeth.
  3. Minor issues become major expenses. A filling might cost far less than a crown, root canal, or implant that may be needed after years of delay.
  4. Oral health connects to overall health. Gum disease is associated with higher inflammation in the body and is linked in research to diabetes control and cardiovascular disease risk, though it’s not always clear which way the relationship runs.
Dentist showing a young adult patient a dental X-ray
Regular checkups catch small problems on X‑rays long before you can feel them.

From scroll to schedule: using social media to actually get care

Watching dental content can be helpful, but it doesn’t replace a real‑world exam. Here’s how to turn what you see on TikTok or YouTube into concrete action—without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Use videos to understand, not diagnose

  • Learn what common treatments look and feel like (fillings, cleanings, X‑rays), so there are fewer surprises.
  • Note questions you want to ask your own dentist; save useful clips and bring them up at your appointment.
  • Avoid self‑diagnosing; the same symptom can have multiple causes.

2. Fact‑check against reputable sources

When you see dental advice on social media, cross‑check it with:

  • American Dental Association (ADA)
  • National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
  • Registered dental associations in your country (e.g., UK’s NHS dental pages)

Common barriers for Gen Z—and realistic ways around them

Knowing that dental visits matter doesn’t magically fix the barriers in your way. Let’s look at some of the most common obstacles and practical approaches that other young adults have found helpful.

Barrier 1: “I can’t afford it.”

  • Search for dental schools that offer reduced‑cost care supervised by faculty.
  • Ask local clinics about payment plans or membership programs for preventive care.
  • If you have any type of coverage, check what cleanings and exams are fully or mostly covered; many plans emphasize prevention.

Barrier 2: “I’m anxious—or embarrassed it’s been so long.”

Dentists who are active on social media often emphasize a no‑shame approach in their clinics as well. When calling to book:

  • Tell the staff upfront that you’re anxious and haven’t been seen in years.
  • Ask if they offer “get‑to‑know‑you” consultations or longer first visits.
  • Agree on a signal (like raising your hand) to pause during the appointment.

“My dentist literally said, ‘I’m just glad you’re here today. We’re starting from now, not judging the past.’ That one sentence made it so much easier to come back.”

— Jordan, 25, first visit after seven years

Barrier 3: “I don’t have time.”

  • Look for early‑morning, evening, or weekend clinics; many urban practices now offer extended hours.
  • Combine your appointment with another errand in the same area to cut travel time.
  • Book your next visit before you leave the clinic, then add calendar reminders.
Young adult booking a dental appointment on a smartphone
Many clinics now offer online booking, text reminders, and flexible hours designed with young adults in mind.

Daily habits that protect your teeth between visits

Even the best dentist only sees you a few hours a year. What you do at home—often influenced now by tips you pick up online—matters just as much. Evidence‑based guidelines tend to agree on a few core habits.

Science‑backed basics

  1. Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental brush.
  3. Limit frequent sipping of sugary drinks, including energy drinks and sweet coffees.
  4. Wait 30 minutes after acidic drinks (soda, citrus water) before brushing to protect softened enamel.

Social media trends to be careful with

  • DIY whitening with household products: Abrasive or acidic mixtures can erode enamel.
  • At‑home orthodontics without supervision: Moving teeth incorrectly can damage roots and bone.
  • “Natural” products without fluoride: These may freshen breath but won’t strengthen enamel on their own.
Close-up of toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss on a bathroom counter
Consistent daily care supports your future smile more than any single product or trend.

What a difference showing up can make: a realistic before & after

On social media, “before and after” photos can be heavily filtered or focus only on cosmetic changes. In real life, the most important transformations are often quieter: being able to chew comfortably, feeling confident to smile, or stopping a small problem from turning into a crisis.

Young adult smiling confidently after a dental visit
The most meaningful “after” is a healthy, comfortable smile you can maintain—not perfection.

Consider a typical story dentists share (details changed to protect privacy): A 24‑year‑old who hadn’t been seen since high school finally booked after watching months of reassuring TikTok content. They expected a lecture; instead, they got:

  • A thorough exam and cleaning
  • A few small cavities treated with simple fillings
  • Personalized advice on brushing, diet, and affordable follow‑up

A decade ago, those same issues might have gone unchecked until pain appeared, leading to more complex care. That’s the quiet power of showing up—even imperfectly and even if it’s been a long time.


Next steps: a gentle, realistic plan for your teeth

You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to take better care of your mouth. Small, consistent steps add up. Here’s a simple plan you can start this week:

  1. Do a 60‑second self‑check. Notice any bleeding, pain, or sensitivity. Jot it down.
  2. Pick one habit to improve. For example, flossing three nights a week or switching to a fluoride toothpaste if you don’t use one already.
  3. Spend 10 minutes researching local dentists. Prioritize clinics that mention anxiety‑friendly care, transparent pricing, or are recommended by peers.
  4. Book one appointment. It doesn’t have to be tomorrow; even a date a month away is a concrete step.
  5. Use social media wisely. Follow 1–2 evidence‑based dental creators who educate rather than scare or shame.

Your future self—the one who can eat comfortably, smile without overthinking it, and avoid surprise dental bills—benefits from the choices you make now. If TikTok or YouTube has nudged you to think about your teeth, consider this your sign to move from scrolling to scheduling.

Action step for today: set a reminder on your phone to look up one local dentist and check their reviews and social media presence. It’s a low‑pressure move that keeps your future smile in mind.