Young Australians at risk of “falling through the cracks” on dental health

Young Australians are increasingly "falling through the cracks" when it comes to their oral health, with new national research revealing a concerning combination of untreated dental problems, social media-driven cosmetic treatments, and preventable sports injuries among 18-25-year-olds.

Released during Dental Health Week (3–8 August 2026), findings from the Australian Dental Association's (ADA) 2025 Consumer Survey of more than 25,000 Australians highlight the unique oral health challenges facing young adults as they transition from family-managed healthcare to independent adulthood.

The survey suggests young Australians are delaying or avoiding dental care due to cost pressures, busy lifestyles, and reduced access to support, potentially setting them up for long-term oral health problems.

ADA Vice President, Dr Angie Nilsson, stresses that the 18–25 age group represents a critical but often overlooked stage for oral health.

“This is the age when many young people leave school, move out of home, come off their parents’ private health insurance and begin managing their own healthcare for the first time.

“Unfortunately, many are delaying dental visits until something goes wrong, and by then the problem is often more painful, more complex, and more expensive to treat,” says Dr Nilsson.

"Good oral health habits established in early adulthood can have lifelong benefits, which is why it's so important we don't allow this generation to fall through the cracks."

Wisdom teeth causing widespread problems

The survey found 60% of Australians aged 18–25 have experienced wisdom tooth-related issues, including pain, swelling, crowding, infection, or discomfort.

According to dentists, untreated wisdom teeth can lead to significant complications, including severe pain, infection, damage to neighbouring teeth and difficulties with eating and sleeping.

"In my dental practice, 18- to 25-year-olds most commonly arrive experiencing acute pain that impacts their ability to work, study, and carry out everyday activities,” says ADA Oral Health Promoter, Dr Monica Farrelly.

"This is the age when wisdom teeth typically begin emerging, and without regular dental check-ups, problems can quickly escalate."

Social media fuelling cosmetic dental decisions

The influence of social media is also reshaping attitudes towards dental treatment, with 60% of respondents reporting that social media had influenced their decision to pursue cosmetic dental procedures.

The ADA is encouraging young Australians to seek professional dental advice before undergoing cosmetic treatments or purchasing products promoted online.

“We’re seeing increased interest in whitening, veneers, direct to consumer aligners and cosmetic trends driven by social media,” continues Dr Nilsson. “But dental treatment is healthcare, not fashion. Poorly informed decisions can permanently impact teeth and gums.”

Mouthguard use dangerously low in high-risk sport

Despite the high risk of dental trauma in contact and high-impact sports, only 38% of 18–25-year-olds participating in these activities reported wearing a mouthguard.

"Dental sports injuries can be devastating, both physically and financially, yet many are entirely preventable," adds Dr Nilsson.

"A custom-fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your smile and avoid serious long-term consequences."

Prevention remains the key

This Dental Health Week, the ADA is encouraging young Australians to prioritise preventive dental care, including regular dental check-ups, maintaining good oral hygiene, and seeking professional advice.

The ADA continues to advocate for improved access to affordable dental care for young Australians as part of broader efforts to strengthen Australia's oral health system and reduce preventable dental disease.

For oral health information, visit Teeth.org.au and to find a dentist, visit ADA Find a Dentist