Kidney disease
40% in 2026
(vs. 23% in 2025)
When it comes to health trends, Gen Z tends to lead the conversation. From mental health awareness to whole-body wellness, this generation approaches their health with a level of intentionality that often surprises older cohorts. And according to the 2026 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report, oral health is no exception.
The data tells a clear story: Gen Z is not just catching up to older generations in how they think about their teeth and gums — in some areas, they're pulling ahead.
Taking oral health more seriously
For years, Gen Z lagged slightly behind other generations in recognizing the importance of oral health. That gap is closing quickly.
In 2026, 94% of Gen Z adults say oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health, this is a significant jump from 89% the year before. Just as telling: 89% now consider dental visits as essential as an annual physical, up from 75% in 2025. That's a 14-point increase in a single year.
What's driving this shift? It's hard to point to one factor, but it tracks with a broader generational pattern. Gen Z has grown up with more access to health information than any previous generation, and they've internalized wellness (mental, physical, and now oral) as a core part of how they take care of themselves.
Making the whole-body connection
One of the most significant findings for Gen Z in this year's report is how rapidly their understanding of the oral-systemic health connection is growing.
Awareness of the link between oral health and chronic conditions increased sharply across the board:
Dementia
37% in 2026
(vs. 20% in 2025)
Diabetes
43% in 2026
(vs. 28% in 2025)
These aren't small gains, they represent some of the largest year-over-year increases of any generation in the report. And they matter, because understanding why oral health is important is what turns good intentions into consistent habits.
When you know that untreated gum disease can contribute to systemic inflammation and chronic illness, a twice-daily brushing routine starts to feel less like a chore and more like a genuine way to stay healthy.
Oral health as self-care
Perhaps no trend better captures Gen Z's relationship with oral health than this one: for this generation, a healthy smile isn't just a health outcome, it's a form of self-care.
In 2026, 81% of Gen Z adults say protecting oral health is closely
connected to their mental well-being, up from 73% the year before. On top of that, nearly two-thirds cite their teeth and gums as a source of personal pride, connecting a healthy smile to confidence, self-presentation, and emotional wellness.
This framing is distinctly Gen Z. Where older generations may have thought about oral health primarily in clinical or financial terms, Gen Z tends to see it through the lens of how they show up in the world.
Growing confidence in their own oral health
They aren't just aware of the benefits, confidence in how they're doing is improving too.
In 2026, 48% of Gen Z adults rate their own oral health positively, nearly double the 31% who said the same in 2025. This confidence is reshaping expectations of care with 89% saying dental visits are as essential as physicals.
48%
rate their oral health positively
(vs. 31% in 2025)
89%
say dental visits are as essential as physicals
(vs. 75% in 2025)
That's a remarkable shift, and it likely reflects real behavioral change: the 2026 report shows that younger adults are increasingly leading the way in twice-daily brushing consistency, with Gen Z and Millennials outpacing older generations in building that routine.
It's worth noting that cavity fillings remain more common among younger adults than older ones, a reminder that good intentions need to be paired with consistent follow-through.
Moving toward coverage
One of the practical implications of Gen Z's growing health awareness is a stronger interest in getting covered. Among uninsured Gen Z adults, 52% say they plan to enroll in dental insurance in the next year, up from 45% in 2025 and the highest enrollment intent of any generation.
That's significant, because the data consistently shows that coverage changes behavior. Adults with dental insurance are twice as likely to make a preventive visit compared to those without. For a generation that's increasingly committed to proactive care, having coverage removes one of the last barriers between intention and action.
If you're a Gen Z adult exploring your options, Delta Dental plans are built around preventive care, typically covering cleanings and exams at 100% for in-network dentists, so you can stay ahead of issues without worrying about cost.
The habits they build now will last a lifetime
The 2026 data makes one thing clear: Gen Z's relationship with oral health is evolving fast, and in the right direction. They're more aware, more confident, and more motivated to act than they were even a year ago.
The habits and mindsets this generation builds in their 20s will shape their oral, and overall, health for decades to come. And right now, the data suggests they're building good ones.
Read the full 2026 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report to explore all of this year's findings.
Looking for a dental plan that fits your life? Explore Delta Dental plans for individuals and families.