Month: August 2023

Articles

Learn more

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 16, 2023

LEARN MORE

OCTOBER 2023

Dental health and mental health

Did you know that when you brush your teeth, you’re also supporting your mental health?

“People are often surprised that their mental health is connected with their oral health, and their oral health, in turn, with their mental health,” says Cleveland Clinic Psychologist Susan Albers. “But they’re really interconnected.”

A dental checkup can be an opportunity for a mental health tune-up. That makes seeing your dentist twice a year even more important. Make sure to get your visits in before the end of the year. Your Costco dental plans cover preventive care at 100% when you see an in-network provider.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

How dental health affects mental health (and vice versa)

In a 2015 American Dental Association study, 1 in 5 adults reported experiencing anxiety because of the condition of their mouth and teeth. This is especially significant for young adults, whose oral health concerns led 22% of them to reduce participation in social activities.

“When your oral health is suffering, it can decrease your quality of life,” explains Dr. Albers. “If you feel embarrassed about the health of your teeth, it can trigger social anxiety. You may withdraw. Or it may hurt your self-esteem. This can lead to an increase in some of your mental health symptoms.”

The opposite is also true — your mental health can affect your dental health. The health of your teeth can give clues to your stress level, your anxiety, your mood and the presence of chronic eating problems.

For example, worn enamel can be a big red flag that you’re experiencing high levels of anxiety or stress. Stress can also increase the level of cortisol in your body, weakening your immune system and making you more susceptible to canker sores, gingivitis and gum disease. In addition, if you’re struggling with depression, you may not have the motivation or energy for dental care.

Managing your dental and mental health

Because your mental health and dental health are interconnected, things you do for one also benefit the other. These small changes in your day-to-day life can have a lasting impact.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods, like veggies, fruit and lean proteins, boosts your mood and protects your teeth and gums.

Watch out for dry mouth

Certain antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and mood stabilizers can reduce the saliva in your mouth and cause dry mouth. Since saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and germs, this could be a concern. If you think you might have dry mouth from your medication, talk with your dentist, doctor and therapist to make sure it’s not hurting your teeth.

Practice stress-reduction techniques

Deep breathing, meditation or using an app to help you relax are some of the techniques you can try to reduce stress and anxiety. If you notice you have worn enamel, or that you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may want to try wearing a mouth guard when you sleep. You can get a custom-fitted mouth guard from your dentist, or, for a shorter-term solution, you can look for an over-the-counter option.

See your dentist

Dentists aren’t just there to polish up your pearly whites. They can also detect when other things are going on in your life. Dr. Albers notes that dentists are often the first professionals to identify and diagnose a mental health issue. And that many referrals to counselors and therapists come from dentists.

“Dentists are very willing to help,” says Dr. Albers. “They’ve seen signs and symptoms of conditions before. And a dentist and therapist working together can help you work through your mental health issues and protect your oral and overall health.”

Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. The link between dental health and mental health: what you need to know.
American Dental Association. Oral health and well-being in the United States.

Use your Costco benefits to support your dental health and mental health. See the resources below to learn more.

Tags Behavioral health, Dental, emotional-well-being, Stress

Articles

Learn the basics

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 15, 2023

LEARN THE BASICS

OCTOBER 2023

Video: How to floss your teeth

Do you floss every day? If you answered “no,” you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 32% of adults said they flossed daily.¹

But the benefits of flossing are real. Flossing removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and saliva that can collect at the gum line. If the bacteria builds and causes inflammation, you get periodontal disease. And that can lead to receding gums, tooth decay and tooth loss.

Flossing, along with brushing, can help prevent periodontal disease. But it’s important that you floss correctly. To learn how, check out this short video. Once you learn the steps, you may find it easier to make flossing a routine part of your day.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Show transcript

¹NIH. Prevalence of daily flossing among adults by selected risk factors for periodontal disease—United States, 2009–2014.

Sources:
Dr. Mark Nieh. Flossing.
NPR. Are you flossing or just lying about flossing? The dentist knows.

Check out the resources below to learn how your Costco benefits can help you care for your mouth and teeth.

Tags Dental, physical-well-being, Preventive care, Videos

Articles

Take action

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 14, 2023

TAKE ACTION

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.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

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.

Tags Dental, dental-cleanings, physical-well-being, Preventive care, Substance misuse

Articles

Explore more

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 13, 2023

EXPLORE MORE

OCTOBER 2023

Transform your smile — for less

Smile! Or would you rather not? With virtual visits, FaceTime, and selfie-friendly apps like Snapchat and Instagram, we’re all spending more time staring at our faces, and, in turn, our teeth. According to Dentistry Today, that behavior has intensified self-esteem issues regarding crooked teeth. And it’s driven more adults to seek orthodontic care.

Luckily, orthodontia is increasingly affordable. There are innovative orthodontic solutions to help you get the smile you want. And your Costco dental plans are here to help, with orthodontia benefits* for you and your covered family members.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Braces or aligners?

Braces have been the traditional form of treatment used by orthodontists for decades. Today’s streamlined braces come in a variety of models — stainless steel, tooth-colored ceramic and those that attach behind the teeth.

Clear aligners are plastic replicas of your teeth. Wearing them puts gentle pressure on your teeth, ever so slightly repositioning them. Aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when you eat, brush and floss. Invisalign^® was the only clear aligner treatment available for years. But today, there are many options.

While braces are often better for kids and teens, especially if they have a severe crossbite, overbite or underbite, neither option is necessarily better than the other. The choice is based on your goals and your lifestyle. But some clear aligner options do present advantages, both in terms of their convenience and cost.

At-home treatment

These days, monthly appointments to adjust your braces aren’t a requirement to get a better smile. New online clear aligner services allow people to complete treatment in the comfort of their homes. These options work best for people with simpler corrections.

Some of these services supply you with materials to do at-home impressions of your bite. Once done, you send them in to be reviewed by a licensed dentist or orthodontist. Others work through a certified dentist who creates a 3D image of the inside of your mouth. After your impressions are reviewed, you’re sent a customized set of aligners that will gradually shift your teeth into place.

This do-it-yourself option is a huge advantage for many people, especially those living in the 60% of U.S. counties with limited access to an orthodontist’s offices. But there are other advantages, including:

Cost. Traditional teeth-straitening solutions typically cost between $5,000–$9,000. These new orthodontic options, on average, cost between $2,000 and $3,000.
Duration. Depending on complexity and your lifestyle choices, these treatments can last, on average, 4–5 months. Treatments using metal braces can take years.
Support. Licensed dentists and orthodontists provide virtual support and oversight from beginning to end through dedicated, user-friendly apps.
Convenience. Supplies are delivered directly to your home.

Contact your dental plan to find out which options are available to you.

Save more with an HCRA

Only available on the Mainland and in Hawaii

With your Costco benefits, you can open a Health Care Reimbursement Account, or HCRA. This account, administered by PayFlex^®, allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to reimburse yourself for expenses your plan doesn’t cover. You can use your HCRA to pay eligible orthodontic expenses for yourself and your covered dependents. You can also download the PayFlex Mobile^® app to manage your expenses on the go.

Budget for your dental costs

Costco offers additional financial well-being tools for all locations, such as SmartDollar^®, a free digital program that can help you plan for major dental expenses. This program also offers one-on-one financial coaching to talk you through the process.

*Review your plan documents for benefit details.

Sources:
Dentistry Today. 2022 trends to watch in oral & orthodontic care.
American Association of Orthodontists. Braces vs. clear aligners?

Your Costco dental plan and HCRA (where available) can make orthodontic treatment accessible for you and your covered family members. For resources to help, see below.

Tags Budgeting, Dental, financial-well-being, Inspira

Recipes

Healthy recipe

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 12, 2023

HEALTHY RECIPE

OCTOBER 2023

Banana chocolate chip mini muffins

These two-bite treats are the perfect solution for a chocolate craving — and a great way to use up a ripe banana. The banana’s natural sweetness cuts down on the need for a lot of added sugar, and the oats add fiber and just the right texture. Pair with your favorite hot beverage for a mid-morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up. Freeze leftover muffins (if there are any) for 2–3 months, then thaw and reheat to enjoy again.

Ingredients: 14

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 42 min

Serves 24

Ingredients:

5 sprays cooking spray

⅔ cup plain low-fat yogurt

⅓ cup 1% low-fat milk

1 large egg

½ cup uncooked quick oats

⅓ cup packed brown sugar

1 large ripe banana, mashed

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup all-purpose flour

⅓ cup whole wheat flour

1¼ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon table salt

½ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 24-cup mini-muffin pan with nonstick spray. Whisk together yogurt, milk and egg in a large bowl. Add oats, brown sugar, banana and vanilla, whisking to combine; let stand 5 minutes.

Step 2

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add flour mixture and all but 1 tablespoon chocolate chips to yogurt mixture, stirring until moistened.

Step 3

Spoon batter evenly into prepared muffin cups; sprinkle evenly with reserved chocolate chips. Bake until golden brown on top and toothpick inserted into center of muffin comes out clean, 15–17 minutes.

Step 4

Let cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes; run knife around outside of cups to loosen muffins from pan. Remove from pan and cool completely on rack. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Source: WeightWatchers

Costco employees can join WeightWatchers for as low as $14 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependents can join for as low as $19.50 per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up at WW.com/Costco.