LEARN MORE

OCTOBER 2022

Protect your teeth, your wallet and your well-being

When it comes to oral health, an ounce of prevention can save you a ton of money and much more. By getting regular dental exams and cleanings, you can ensure that your teeth and gums stay clean and healthy. And you can catch problems early, before they get expensive.

With the Costco dental plan, the twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings you need to keep your mouth healthy are covered at 100%, when you see an in-network provider. And that’s good news for your teeth, your wallet and your overall well-being.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

The costs of poor dental health

The costs of poor dental health go well beyond just having bad teeth. They also affect your health, employment and well-being. Not only are there direct treatment costs, but there are also many hidden and unexpected costs of poor oral health.

Potential impacts start early in life

Tooth decay early in life can be especially impactful. According to one survey, early childhood tooth decay has been linked to impaired development, educational performance, poor behavior, family stress, diminished quality of life and even disability and death.

Dental issues can also result in lost school days. A recent study found that 30% of U.S. kids ages 6 to 12 miss more than 9 million school days due to oral health problems. In another study, children with poor oral health were nearly three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain.

Employment costs of poor oral health

Poor oral health can affect people’s job prospects and social lives. Missing or damaged teeth can cause anxiety and undermine self-confidence. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) report, Oral Health and Well-being, 38% of people surveyed feel life in general is less satisfying due to the poor condition of their mouth and teeth. The same report finds that 1 in 5 adults experience anxiety and 23% feel embarrassment due to the condition of their teeth and mouth.

Treatment costs and other health impacts

Direct treatment costs can be substantial for a variety of common conditions that result when oral hygiene or preventive dental care are neglected. Here are a few examples of conditions that can result from poor oral health and their average treatment cost (before insurance):

Average Costs of Dental Procedures¹

Prevention is a bargain

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, brushing, flossing and rinsing twice a day, plus twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings are not only essential, they make good financial sense. A recent insurance industry report estimated that adults who practice good preventive oral health care can save 31% in dental costs over five years. Likewise, adults who don’t receive preventive care can expect a 43% increase to their annual dental costs over the same period.

So, spend five minutes, twice a day, on your oral health care. And visit the dentist twice a year for dental cleanings and exams. You can save money — and much more.

¹The select regional average cost represents the average fees for the procedures listed above in Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago and New York City, as displayed in the cost of care tool as of June 2020. Actual costs and savings may vary by provider, service and geographic location. We use the average of negotiated fees from participating providers to determine the average costs, as shown on the chart.

Sources: 1Dental. Dental access plan — Procedure price list
1Dental. How much are dental implants?
University of Illinois Chicago, College of Dentistry. The many costs (financial and well-being) of poor oral health

Learn more about your Costco dental plan, including free preventive care and where to find an in-network dentist, by checking out the resources below.