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JULY 2024

How to get help for substance use concerns

If you’re struggling with alcohol, drugs or opioids, or you love someone who is, you may feel hopeless, worried or guilty. You’re not alone — 7,500 Costco employees battled substance use concerns last year. The truth is, these problems are common, treatable health conditions. Your Costco benefits are here to help, without judgment, whenever you are ready.

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A complex disease

Some people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to alcohol, drugs or prescription medicines. They may mistakenly think that those who use substances lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop by simply choosing not to.  

In reality, substance use disorder is a complex, long-term disease, like asthma or diabetes. Drugs and alcohol change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.  

A devastating impact 

Substance misuse has enormous costs to those who are struggling and to those that care about them. It can break up families and destroy relationships. The impact to physical health is substantial. For just one example, it can increase risks of disease, such as heart disease, cancer or stroke. It can also seriously affect your finances.  

Not only does addiction require a steady supply of drugs or alcohol, but those who are struggling may have difficulty keeping a steady income, drain their savings or retirement accounts to fund their habit, and rack up legal fees or court costs if sustaining their addiction leads to unlawful behavior.

Treatment is available

While an estimated 54.6 million Americans battled a substance use disorder in 2022, only 26% got treatment.1 One barrier to getting help is worry over the cost of care.

That’s why it’s important to know that substance use disorder is a medical condition. Treatment is covered when you use in-network providers, like any other medically necessary treatment. The same deductibles, copays and coinsurance apply.

Ready to get help?

Your medical plan provider, be it Aetna®, Triple-S or HMSA, is committed to giving you and your family the best possible care advice. For employees with an Aetna medical plan, the Live Healthy Team* can help link those battling substance misuse and their families with counseling, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and support groups, and help come up with care plan goals. 

Treatment is highly individualized. One person may need different types of treatment at different times. Your doctor and care team will help guide you on your path to recovery and support your progress along the way.  

Most treatments involve detoxification, during which you stop taking the substance and allow it to leave your body. You can go through detoxification in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Your doctor may recommend therapy to treat any co-occurring mental health conditions and to teach healthy coping techniques. Medication may also be part of your treatment plan to relieve craving and withdrawal systems.

Resources for Living (RFL) provides counseling to help people with substance use concerns learn healthier thought patterns and behaviors. Employees can also use RFL’s Mind Companion Self-care as a self-guided recovery tool.  

Substance use in teens

Peer pressure and glamourization of alcohol and drug use in mass media can affect teens’ substance use decisions. In fact, a recent survey showed that teens are more likely to drink alcohol or use marijuana if the people they follow posted about it on Instagram or Snapchat.2  

That’s all the more reason to talk to you kids about substance misuse. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and use these tips to be real with your kids.

  • Normalize the conversation based on their age and give them a safe space to ask questions.
  • Don’t be afraid to set ground rules and expectations together.
  • Accept their responses — even those you didn’t expect to hear — and resist the urge to lecture.

When kids test the substance use waters — or dive right into the deep end — it’s often the result of an underlying mental health condition. Teens with ADHD, anxiety and depression may use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, even though that may worsen their symptoms. Telemynd* can help you and your child discover and address their mental health conditions through therapy, coaching and further evaluation, available for kids and teens up to age 18. 

If you’re concerned about substance use concerns, for yourself or a loved one, talk to your doctor. And look to the resources below for help and support.

*Available on the mainland only. 

1American Addiction Centers. Alcohol and drug abuse statistics.
2Florida International University. Teens are more likely to use alcohol and marijuana if they see themselves post about it on social media.

Sources:
Aetna. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, Aetna can help.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding drug use and addiction.
Cleveland Clinic. Substance use disorder.

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JULY 2024

Know your options for pain management

Pain is a reality for many people. Whether chronic, such as back pain, or acute, such as after an injury, pain can disrupt nearly all aspects of your life. But if you’re struggling with misusing alcohol or drugs, getting relief can be complicated. People battling current or former substance misuse can be vulnerable to the addictive quality of prescription opioid painkillers such as oxycontin or oxycodone.  

Luckily, there are options available for pain management that have fewer risks and may work better than opioids. These include over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, acupuncture and many others covered wholly or in part by your Costco benefits.

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Addiction and pain control 

Dr. Peter Grinspoon, an internist at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes that patients are often nervous to tell their doctor about a past or current addiction because they’re afraid their pain won’t be treated. “There’s still a lot of stigma associated with substance use disorders, even among some medical providers,” he says. “But people who struggle with addiction deserve proper pain control.”1 

If you or a loved one has a history of addiction, the best course of action is to be upfront with your doctor. It’s your doctor’s responsibility to work with you to find ways to manage your pain safely. That includes exploring non-opioid medications and non-drug treatments.

Non-drug treatments for pain

Because of the side effects and risks of most medications, you may want to first try treatments that don’t rely on drugs. Some of these include:

Physical therapy

Often one of the best choices you can make when you have long-term pain or an injury, physical therapy (PT) relieves symptoms and improves flexibility through targeted exercises and stretching.

Omada Joint & Muscle Health provides virtual physical therapy with a dedicated physical therapist that you can do in the comfort of your own home.

Acupuncture

By inserting thin needles at key points on the body, acupuncture can interrupt pain signals and rebalance energy. Your Costco benefits cover up to 20 acupuncture visits per year, combined with homeopath and naturopath visits.

Electrical stimulation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sends a gentle current to painful areas to interrupt nerve signals to the brain. TENS is a covered benefit when medically necessary.

Massage

Therapeutic massage may relieve pain by relaxing painful muscles and joints, relieving stress and anxiety and releasing mood-boosting endorphins. Massage may be covered by your Costco medical plan when medically necessary as a short-term rehabilitation benefit.

Therapy

Behavioral therapy can teach people coping skills to deal with the stress that pain can cause. It can also help address the negative thoughts and emotions that can make pain worse. 

Resources for Living (RFL) offers six yearly free counseling sessions to help you and your loved ones get support to manage substance misuse, stress, anxiety, depression and more. You can also try RFL’s  self-guided emotional support program for substance misuse through Mind Companion Self-care.

Mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness can help people break down the experience of pain into identifiable sensations and help them reclaim a sense of pleasure and joy, despite the pain. You can find mindfulness exercises and other resources at RFL.com/Costco.

Non-opioid pain medications  

The treatments above are often used in combination with medications that have less potential for addiction and can help with pain. You can fill your prescriptions at any Costco Pharmacy through Costco Health Solutions.* Some of these medications may include:

  • Over-the-counter pain medications, including acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil, can often be used together for mild to moderate pain. 
  • Methadone, a long-acting narcotic, provides pain relief and helps calm the craving for other opioids.
  • Exparel, a non-addictive, one-time injection that relieves pain after dental surgery.
  • Cox-2 inhibitors, a prescription form of NSAID, block a specific enzyme to help reduce inflammation.
  • Prescription nerve pain medications can help calm nerve-related pain.
  • Topical ointments, such as lidocaine, can minimize pain signals at the nerve endings in the skin.
  • Interventional therapies, such as injections, can block nerve pain sensations from a specific area of the body.

If you do need to take opioids

In some cases, it may be hard to avoid opioids, for example, after a major surgery. If so, take these precautions:

Create a pain plan

Work with your doctor to know how you can reduce pain using a combination of treatments.

Find a partner

Identify a family member or friend who can hold on to your pills, manage your doses and check in on you while you take your opioid medication.

Get rid of leftover pills

Discard extra pills safely at drop off locations, including Costco pharmacies, so that you won’t be tempted to take them.

If you or a loved one has a history of substance misuse, don’t suffer in silence or worry that pain relief will upend your recovery. You can manage pain safely. Use the resources below to explore some of your options.

*Not available in Puerto Rico. 

1WebMD. Addiction: Know your options for pain management.

Sources:
Medline Plus. Non-drug pain management.
American Society of Anesthesiologists. Non-opioid treatment.
NIH Medline Plus Magazine. From opioids to mindfulness: a new approach to chronic pain.

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JULY 2024

The gut-brain connection

Do you ever get butterflies when you’re excited or nervous? Or feel hungry after watching a pizza commercial on TV? That’s your gut communicating with your brain. 

The relationship between these two parts of your body affects your mood, sleep and digestion. So, it’s important to get the right treatment if you have gut issues, such as bloating, constipation or acid reflux.  

If these conditions affect you, you’re not alone — digestive disorders are the second most common diagnosis among Costco employees. That’s why Costco employees now have access to a new, free digestive health program from Cylinder to help get the best possible care for gut issues.

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Substance misuse and the gut

95% of your body’s serotonin, the “happiness hormone”, is manufactured by gut bacteria. Misusing addictive substances, such as alcohol or narcotics, disrupts your gut health which lowers your serotonin levels. This can cause feelings of depression and anxiety. Restoring gut health is one way to help return serotonin to healthy levels, an important part of substance misuse recovery.

Gut health and diabetes

Gut health may also be tied to diabetes. For years, researchers have been studying the composition of the gut microbiome, a collection of microorganisms that include fungi, bacteria and viruses that live in the digestive tract. People with higher levels of certain bacterium are more likely to have insulin resistance, which can cause high blood sugar and diabetes. Improving your gut health can help balance your gut bacteria and may reduce symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

Your new digestive health benefit

If you’re one of the many people with gut issues, often suffering in silence, your new digestive health benefit from Cylinder can help. It’s available at no cost to employees and their family members age 18+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan.

This free virtual program offers 24/7 digestive health support, starting with a free at-home gut microbiome test to measure the good and bad bacteria in your gut. A registered dietitian and health coach will then work with you to get to the root problem of your digestive symptoms. This highly effective resource has helped 91% of users improve their GI health. For more information, visit Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco and use access code: Costco or call 888-246-5019.

Better health starts with the gut. Get support from the resources below.

*Not available in Puerto Rico.

Sources:
National Geographic. Your gut health can affect the rest of your body. Here’s why.
Cedars Sinai. Gut bacteria may play a role in diabetes.

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JULY 2024

Video: Treatment options for substance use disorder

Substance use disorders are treatable, chronic diseases. Recovery is possible and there are many safe and effective treatment options. This 3-minute video from Resources for Living shares what inpatient and outpatient treatment can look like to help those who are struggling decide what path is right for them.

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Sources:
Resources for Living. Substance use disorder: treatment options
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Substance Use & Substance Use Disorders

Your Costco benefits offer help for employees and their family members who are battling addiction. To learn more, see the resources below.

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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.

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JUNE 2023

Video: The family impact of substance misuse

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person with a drug or alcohol problem. It’s called a family disease because it also impacts everyone who cares about the addicted family member. In this four-minute Resources For Living® (RFL®)* video, Daphne Parker, licensed professional counselor, discusses how to help an addicted family member. And she stresses the importance of taking care of yourself during this challenging journey.

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Your Costco benefits offer help for you and your family, including your family member who is battling addiction. To learn more, see the resources listed below.

*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.

Source: Resources For Living. The family impact of substance misuse.

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JUNE 2023

Video: Prescription medicine: Could you have a problem?

It’s a national story that leads the news nearly every night. Opioid addiction rates continue to rise. And opioid deaths, particularly from fentanyl, are increasing at an alarming rate. For many of us, opioid addiction is no longer something that happens to other people. It can happen to anyone. According to the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, 75% of people who began abusing opioids in the 2000s reported that their first opioid was a prescription drug.1

If you think that you or someone close to you might be in danger of slipping into prescription drug misuse, this video can provide you with some useful information.

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1NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse. Prescription opioids and heroin research report.

Source: Resources For Living. Prescription medicine: Could you have a problem?

Your Costco benefits offer support for you and your family, including help with substance misuse issues. To learn more, see the resources listed below.

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Learn the basics

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LEARN THE BASICS

FEBRUARY 2023

Stay healthy at every age and stage

The foundation of good health is the same no matter your age! Eat healthy, be active, go to the doctor or nurse for regular checkups, take care of your mental health, and don’t take unnecessary risks, like texting while driving. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond, we’ve got you covered.

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Here’s what you should do every day to thrive no matter what age you are:

  • Eat healthy — use the MyPlate Plan to get started.
  • Get help to quit smoking or using tobacco products (or don’t start).
  • Limit alcohol use to 1 drink or less per day, 6 or less per week.
  • Understand the signs of substance misuse.
  • Wear a helmet when riding a bike and wear protective gear for sports.
  • Wear a seat belt in cars and don’t text while driving.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by applying sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen of 30 or more before you head outdoors.
  • Get at least 30 min of physical activity a day for your physical well-being. Activities can include walking the dog, hiking with your family, gardening or even cleaning your house.
  • Get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night so you’re not tired in the morning.

Learn what steps to take for good health at your age

Choose your age group:

Late teens, 20s & 30s | 40s & 50s | 60s, 70s & beyond

Stay healthy in your late teens, 20s & 30s

Here are some topics to help guide your discussion at your annual exam with your doctor.

  • My family health history, especially of cancer, heart disease and diabetes
  • My weight, diet and physical activity level
  • Whether I use tobacco, alcohol or drugs
  • Any violence in my life
  • Depression and other mental health concerns
  • Whether I plan to get pregnant in the next year or the right birth control for me

I’ll ask my doctor whether I’m at higher risk for or need tests, medicine or vaccines this year for:

  • Blood pressure
  • Breast cancer
  • Cervical cancer (from age 21)
  • Chickenpox
  • Flu
  • Hepatitis A, B or C
  • HIV
  • HPV
  • Measles, mumps and rubella
  • Meningitis
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough
  • Tuberculosis
  • Urinary incontinence

Stay healthy in your 40s & 50s

Here are some topics to help guide your discussion at your annual exam with your doctor.

  • My family health history, especially of cancer, heart disease and diabetes
  • Perimenopause/menopause symptoms
  • My weight, diet and physical activity level
  • Whether I use tobacco, alcohol or drugs
  • Any violence in my life
  • Depression and other mental health concerns
  • Whether I plan to get pregnant in the next year or the right birth control for me

I’ll ask my doctor whether I’m at higher risk for or need tests, medicine or vaccines this year for:

  • Blood pressure
  • Breast cancer (including mammogram)
  • Cervical cancer
  • Cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Flu
  • Hepatitis A, B or C
  • HIV
  • HPV
  • Measles, mumps and rubella
  • Meningitis
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough
  • Tuberculosis
  • Urinary incontinence

I’m in my 50s, so I’ll also ask my doctor about:

  • Low-dose aspirin (for heart attack or stroke risk)
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Lung cancer (if 55 and older and smoking now or have quit within the last 15 years)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Shingles

Stay healthy in your 60s, 70s & beyond

Here are some topics to help guide your discussion at your annual exam with your doctor.

  • My family health history, especially of cancer, heart disease and diabetes
  • My weight, diet and physical activity level
  • Whether I use tobacco, alcohol or drugs
  • Any violence in my life
  • Depression and other mental health concerns
  • Who will make health care decisions for me if I’m unable to

I’ll ask my doctor whether I’m at higher risk for or need tests, medicine or vaccines this year for:

  • Blood pressure
  • Breast cancer (including mammogram)
  • Cervical cancer
  • Cholesterol
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Flu
  • Hepatitis A, B or C
  • HIV
  • Lung cancer (if you smoke now or have quit within the last 15 years)
  • Measles, mumps and rubella (if born after 1956)
  • Meningitis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pneumonia
  • Shingles
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough
  • Tuberculosis
  • Urinary incontinence

I’m in my 70s, so I’ll also ask my doctor about:

  • Low-dose aspirin (for heart attack or stroke risk)
  • Cervical cancer
  • Measles, mumps and rubella (if born after 1956)
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Here’s what Costco employees are saying about 2nd.MD:

The doctor was amazing and made sure I was aware of all my options before I made a decision. She mentioned a couple things my doctor didn’t even discuss with me which totally changed my mind about how I wanted to move forward. I am very grateful that I went through this process because it opened my eyes to things I wasn’t aware of!

2nd.MD offers expert second opinions regarding a health condition or surgery recommendation.

Source: Office on Women’s Health. Healthy living by age.

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DECEMBER 2022

How to beat the holiday blues

The holidays are a time for family and friends, festive meals, presents, parties and classic films on TV. It’s also a very busy time at work. But for some, the holidays can be depressing. The more pressure you feel to be cheery, the sadder you may become. These feelings could be due to loneliness or a recent loss, such as divorce, a break-up or the death of a loved one. You could also be feeling sad for another reason — and you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you find joy and meaning throughout the holidays.

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Listen to your own needs and feelings

Why pretend to feel cheery, if that’s not the way you feel? Skip parties you don’t really want to attend. Don’t force yourself to “be merry.” On the other hand, don’t isolate yourself completely. That can make you feel worse. Choose one or two events where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Or invite a few friends to your home for a simple meal.

Take a break from holiday stress 

Feeling pressure about decorating and shopping? Resist the urge to make things perfect. Instead, be kind to yourself. Take time to relax or meet a friend for coffee. Skip the holiday TV shows if they make you feel blue. Watch something that interests you or makes you laugh.

Volunteer

Food banks and other services that support the less fortunate look for volunteers to help during the holidays. Volunteering can take your mind off your own challenges and make you feel better for doing something nice for someone else.

Don’t overspend

If you get into debt over the holidays, you’ll be bluer when the bills come in. If you want to give gifts, get creative. Make “gift cards” for things like a trip with you to a museum, your help with household repairs or an afternoon at the movies. Remember, it’s the thought — not the price — that counts.

Start new traditions

If old family customs make you sad or stressed, create some new ones. Include the people who matter in your life right now. Try new activities that feel fun and meaningful. They may become your new traditions.

Watch your sugar and alcohol intake

Holidays bring lots of fun treats and desserts. But overdoing it can affect your mood and energy. Try to control your eating and drinking so you don’t have to start the new year with a few extra pounds and regrets.

Stay active

Exercise increases your endorphins which are the hormones that enhance your feelings of well-being. Taking a short walk, or doing anything active can help you better manage your stress.

Finding help

If you find yourself struggling with significant depression, seek professional help. Research indicates a high level of success with appropriate help. So consider turning to your Costco benefits and these other resources for support:

  • Resources For Living® (RFL®)* offers help for people with depression, anxiety and other behavioral challenges.
  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 or text TALK to 741741. You can call or text for someone else who may need immediate help.
  • Call 911 for emergency services

Source: Resources for Living. Lifting your spirits during the holidays

*Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.

For more information on ways to manage depression during the holiday season, see the resources below.

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OCTOBER 2022

Good health starts here

Regular preventive care, including dental cleanings and exams twice a year, is not just essential for oral health. It’s important for overall health, too. That’s why Costco dental plans cover preventive care at 100% when you see an in-network provider.

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Your oral health affects your overall health

  • Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium). It typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart.
  • Cardiovascular disease. Although the connection is not fully understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
  • Pregnancy and birth complications. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
  • Pneumonia. Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

And your overall health can affect your oral health

Several diseases and chronic conditions may contribute to poor oral health:

  • Diabetes. By reducing the body’s resistance to infection, diabetes puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
  • HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
  • Osteoporosis. This bone-weakening disease is linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. And certain drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.
  • Alzheimer’s disease. Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome).

Tell your dentist about the medications you take and about changes in your overall health, especially if you’ve recently been ill or you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes.

What can you do to protect your oral health?

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily.

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily.
  • Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing.
  • Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.
  • Schedule dental checkups and cleanings twice a year.
  • Avoid tobacco use.

Preventive care is your first defense

In addition to brushing and flossing, the best way to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy is to stay on top of your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. You don’t need to schedule your appointments six months apart either. The timing is up to you. Just make sure to put yourself, and your oral health, on your calendar.

Source: Mayo Clinic. Oral health: A window to your overall health.

Want to learn more about your Costco dental coverage, free preventive care and where to find an in-network dentist? Check out the resources below.