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OCTOBER 2023

Keep your teeth in tip-top shape

Baby boomers are the first generation in which most people will keep their natural teeth for life. This is largely thanks to fluoride in public water and fluoride toothpaste. But we’re not totally out of the woods.

Threats to oral health, like cavities and gum disease, can still lead to tooth loss, especially as we age. Receding gums and decreased saliva production can expose teeth to decay-causing bacteria. It’s also common for other age-related health issues to take precedence over oral health.

Luckily, there’s one tool that can help you maintain strong teeth for the long term — regular preventive care. And your Costco benefits are here to help, with 100% coverage for two annual dental exams and cleanings when you see an in-network provider. If you haven’t had a cleaning in the last six months, you still have time to schedule a preventive dental visit before the end of the year. And if you are enrolled in the Costco medical plan, don’t forget to take advantage of the annual vision exam included in your benefits too.

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Tips for a healthy mouth

Men, in particular, are more vulnerable to dental issues. Men develop gum disease more often than women, due to their hormone differences, immune system factors, differences in oral hygiene behaviors and greater tobacco use.¹ They also tend to visit dentists less frequently, and when they do, it’s more often for a longstanding problem than disease prevention.

Fortunately, there are small steps everyone can take to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

• Schedule your annual dental checkups and cleanings. Two checkups per year are recommended.
• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss daily. This removes the plaque that causes cavities.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks. The sugar and carbonation in these products can strip away enamel and cause tooth decay.
• Avoid tobacco. Not only do tobacco products stain your teeth, but they can also increase your risk of gum disease, bone loss and oral cancer. If you smoke or use tobacco products, there are resources available to help you quit. The Costco Tobacco Cessation program can help.
• Drink plenty of water. The dehydrating effects of alcohol and some medications can reduce the saliva flow in your mouth, making you more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay.
• See your doctor or dentist if you have sudden changes in taste or smell. These could be a sign of gum disease or infection.

When surgery is necessary

Even if you practice good dental hygiene, you may still need oral surgery. The most common is tooth removal, or extraction. This is recommended if you experience pain due to severe tooth decay or gum disease. Wisdom teeth may also be candidates for extraction if your dentist determines that they’re likely to cause issues in the future. Other types of oral surgery include root canals, periodontal surgery, dental implants and corrective jaw surgery.

It’s often confusing to know whether oral surgery procedures fall under your dental or medical benefits. A general rule of thumb is that dental insurance covers any procedure directly related to the teeth, while medical insurance covers procedures related to the bones and tissue structures of the face and oral cavity. If your doctor or dentist recommends oral surgery, visit Costcobenefits.com to find information on coverage.

Relief from dental pain

Your care team wants you to be as comfortable as possible when you’re undergoing dental treatment. That may involve prescribing pain relievers, including opioids, which are highly addictive. Ask your dentist about safer pain-management alternatives.

For example, EXPAREL^®, a nonaddictive one-time injection, helps to relieve pain for the first few days after a procedure and may reduce the need to take opioids at all. This medicine is covered by all Costco dental plans at 100%. You can also try a combination of ibuprofen (Advil^®, MOTRIN^®) and acetaminophen (TYLENOL^®), which has been shown to be more effective than opioids with fewer side effects.² Talk to your dentist about your options.

Save more when you stay in network

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, prevention is the best medicine. All Costco dental plans fully cover preventive care, including two annual checkups and cleanings when you see an in-network dentist. Using an in-network dentist usually keeps your out-of-pocket expenses lower and offers a higher annual maximum benefit. You can review your dental plan choices and make changes during Annual Enrollment, starting November 1.

¹American Journal of Men’s Health. Men and oral health: a review of sex and gender differences.
²Modern Healthcare. OTC meds more effective for post-surgery pain than opioids, study shows.

Sources:
CDC. Facts about adult oral health.
Cleveland Clinic. Oral surgery.

Be sure to schedule your dental exam and cleaning before the end of the year. For resources to help you review your coverage, find a dentist, or quit tobacco products for good, see below.