CHICAGO, Illinois – Recent college graduates have many things on their mind and keeping up with dental visits is typically not one of them. With college loans to pay off, the end of parental insurance and an entry level job with an entry level paycheck, many college graduates may not understand the importance of continuing to see their general dentist. However, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) says putting off regular dental check ups may only end up costing more in the long run.

Unfortunately, many dentists see a large decline in visits from early adults who sometimes stop coming all together. A few years down the road, previously healthy young adults may have a mouthful of cavities and an expensive bill, all of which could have been avoided with a simple oral health care routine including regular dental visits.

"It would be nice to get the message out to college students and recent grads that they need to continue to see their dentist for routine care and fix small problems when they are inexpensive to fix," says AGD spokesperson Cindy Bauer, DDS, MAGD.

Common problems facing young adults which may have a negative affect on their oral health include nutrition, smoking, drinking alcohol and leading a fast-paced lifestyle. Coffee, doughnuts and diet soda make sense when running late to work or low on cash, but all that sugar is a risk factor for gum inflammation and cavities. Drinking and smoking while catching up with friends on the weekends can put 20-somethings at risk for oral cancer. Also, brushing twice daily becomes less important when rushing around trying to get everything accomplished.

By making a few changes and continuing to visit the dentist twice a year, young adults will spend less and be able to smile brightly. Brushing twice a day for approximately three to four minutes each time and flossing once a day will also help keep down expenses at the dentist office by preventing gum (periodontal) disease.

When visiting the dentist, Dr. Bauer reminds recent grads to bring along a list of questions to make the most of each dental visit and cut down on return visits. "Stay healthy by cutting down on sugary snacks and soda, limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking."

With many changes occurring after graduating from college, seeing a general dentist and keeping up with good oral health care should remain a high priority. "Although it maybe difficult to shell out the cash now, dental care will only get pricier and more painful the longer you wait," says Dr. Bauer. [  Printer-friendly page ]