The college years are a time of significant stress, which may increase habits such as pen chewing, nail-biting, and teeth clenching or grinding. Those can cause tooth chips, cracks, jaw pain, and may lead to a TMJ disorder. CU students often change their diets and dental hygiene habits when they begin college, which may increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. The third molars (wisdom teeth) typically erupt during the late teens and early twenties, around the time young adults start college.
A local dentist who serves CU students can help prevent and treat these issues as they arise, and it’s essential to establish care in the event of an emergency. If you have a dentist you already have a relationship with, it’s much easier to get in as soon as possible when a dental emergency may occur.