Dental Care as an Indicator of Overall Health in College Students

A recent study highlights the significant connection between dental health and overall well-being among college students. Findings indicate that students who regularly attend dental check-ups are more proactive about their health, as they are also more likely to schedule eye and physical exams, maintain health insurance, and assess their general health positively. Interestingly, these students' dental hygiene habits remained consistent even during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the ingrained importance of oral health.

The research, published in the journal Dental Research and Oral Health, analyzed data from 349 first-year students involved in the Mason: Health Starts Here longitudinal study at George Mason University. Results showed that students with prior dental exams were more likely to continue such routines over time. Insurance coverage emerged as a predictor for dental visits, and engaging in one form of preventive care increased the likelihood of participating in others.

Moreover, students who had dental check-ups, received more parental financial support, or held higher levels of hope tended to rate their overall health more favorably. The study also explored the complex relationship between anxiety and dental care, noting that mild anxiety might motivate preventive health behaviors, whereas higher anxiety levels could lead to avoidance.

This research underscores the importance of primary care—such as dental visits—as a gateway to broader preventive health services. Vanessa Alvarez, the study’s lead author, emphasizes that consistent healthcare habits in students tend to influence their overall approach to health.

The Mason: Health Starts Here project continues to evaluate various aspects of student health, including mental health, diet, exercise, and substance use, providing valuable insights into how habits form and persist during young adulthood. Future investigations aim to further understand changes in health behaviors following the pandemic and explore mental health trends among students.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-dental-health-college-students.html