Gen Z's Strange Hygiene Habit You Wouldn't Guess

You'll often see different generations described by their work habits, lifestyle, and attitudes. A lot of these differences come from the social, economic, and cultural experiences they grew up with. For example, the Silent Generation tends to value stability because they lived through the economic uncertainty of the Great Depression. And while these generational differences often shape how people approach work and life, some of them show up in health habits, too.

Dr. Marco Gargano, a practice owner at Aspen Dental, has noticed some of these differences firsthand. While older generations typically stick to the American Dental Association's advice to visit the dentist twice a year, Gargano has found that Generation Z doesn't always follow that rule.

Part of this shift in hygiene habits can be blamed on social media. Dental fears, especially around root canals, tend to go viral on TikTok. A 2025 survey from the American Association of Endodontists found that nearly half of Gen Z fear getting a root canal based on what they've seen online. With so much misinformation floating around, it's no surprise that almost half of Gen Z only head to the dentist when they're already in pain. Gargano believes there are also some practical reasons why Gen Z may not go to the dentist.

One reason may be that Gen Z has some of the highest personal debt compared to other generations, averaging more than $94,000, according to a poll for Newsweek. That financial burden might have Gen Zers thinking twice about the cost of a routine dental exam, especially with the rising cost of living. "Many young adults either lack dental insurance or find out-of-pocket expenses prohibitively high, which discourages both preventive and necessary care," Gargano said. He added that regular checkups might not seem worth it if a Gen Zer isn't having any obvious problems.

On top of that, the oldest members of Gen Z were born in 1997, which means a big chunk of the generation is currently juggling their 20s, balancing work, social lives, and everything in between. Those packed schedules can make it tough to squeeze in a dental appointment, Gargano said. Some might also struggle to get to appointments if the office isn't nearby.

Finally, the longer you put off a routine dental visit, the more awkward it can feel to finally go. Gargano pointed to a study commissioned by Aspen Dental that found 27% of Gen Z admitted to lying to their dentist to avoid being judged. "Collectively, these factors create significant barriers to regular dental care for young adults, underscoring the need for solutions that address affordability, accessibility, trust, and stigma in dental health services," he said.

Even if Gen Z isn't keeping up with twice-a-year dental visits, that doesn't mean they don't care about their teeth. Gen Z grew up with social media and all the anxiety that comes with constant comparison. A Forbes Health survey found that 72% of Gen Z compares their smiles to others on social media. That self-consciousness can lead people to cover up their smiles or rely on filters to edit their teeth.

To keep your smile healthy, the American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Some type of cleaning between your teeth, like flossing, is also recommended daily (here's what happens when you don't floss your teeth). But brushing and flossing alone might not be enough to prevent oral health issues. A regular dental cleaning can remove stubborn tartar that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

Even if you're nervous about seeing a dentist after a long break, Gargano suggests being upfront about it. "We're there to help you feel comfortable and supported," he said. "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." And if you don't have dental insurance or you're worried about the cost, Gargano says many dental offices, including Aspen Dental, can help with financing.