Oral Health at OSU: Why It Gets Overlooked and What Can Help

Sana Sukhija, February 15, 2026

When Dental Care Falls Off the Priority List

College life is busy and expensive. When students are balancing classes, work, and personal responsibilities, dental care is often pushed aside. This is usually not because oral health feels unimportant, but because access, time, and cost make it harder to keep up with care.

Oral health is part of overall health, and when basic needs are difficult to meet, it can be one of the first areas affected. This is why Buckeye Food Alliance (BFA) is including oral health as part of its broader health literacy and basic needs education.

Why Oral Hygiene Matters

Oral health affects more than appearance. Poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, infections, difficulty eating, and problems with sleep. These issues can make it harder to focus in class and manage daily responsibilities. Oral health is also connected to overall physical health and well-being.

Common Barriers Students Face

Many students face barriers such as the cost of dental care and supplies, lack of dental insurance or unclear coverage, limited time to seek care, and not knowing where to find low-cost services. Food insecurity can shape food choices, and some students rely on more affordable, shelf-stable foods that are higher in sugar. Dental anxiety can also make seeking care harder.

Small Steps Students Can Take Now (and Our Tabling Event)

Oral care does not have to be all-or-nothing. Small, realistic steps can help reduce risk and make care more manageable:

  • Brushing at least once a day when possible

  • Rinsing with water after sugary foods or drinks

  • Pairing pantry foods with protein when available

  • Using sugar-free gum when brushing right away is not possible

To make these steps easier, Buckeye Food Alliance will be hosting an oral health-focused tabling event in March in the Ohio Union. At the table, students can:

  • Pick up simple oral health and nutrition guides

  • Learn how pantry food choices can affect oral health

  • Get information on low-cost dental care options near campus

  • Ask questions in a low-pressure setting

The goal of this event is to lower barriers to basic oral health information and connect students to resources they can use.

Helpful resources:

  • OSU Student Health Services (Dental Services): https://shs.osu.edu//services/dental-services

  • Buckeye Food Alliance pantry locations and services: https://www.buckeyefoodalliance.org/

  • Local low-cost dental clinics: https://www.columbus.gov/publichealth

Why This Matters

Oral health is part of overall health, but access barriers can make it difficult to prioritize. By sharing basic information and connecting students to resources through outreach like tabling in the Ohio Union, Buckeye Food Alliance aims to make oral health support more visible and easier to access. Small changes, along with better access to resources, can help students take care of their health in realistic ways.

Sana Sukhija