Survey Finds Many Would Use HSA Funds for Oral Care

A nationwide Consumer Healthcare Products Association survey examines how HSA and FSA holders would spend account funds on everyday dental products.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Saving

Vector editorial illustration of unlabeled toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, and coiled dental floss beside a blank card on a stone surface. — A Consumer Healthcare Products Association survey found 83% of HSA and FSA holders would use account funds for toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash if eligible. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should HSA and FSA funds be allowed to cover everyday toothpaste and toothbrushes?

A Consumer Healthcare Products Association survey of 1,200 U.S. adults found that 83% of HSA and FSA account holders would use their funds to buy toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash if eligible. The survey also found many consumers have cut back, downgraded, or delayed oral care purchases over the past year.

Why it matters

Under current law, everyday oral care essentials are generally ineligible for HSA and FSA funds, while affordability concerns have led consumers to reduce or delay purchases. Proposed legislation would expand eligibility to certain preventive oral care products.

The survey of 1,200 U.S. adults, including 1,000 registered voters, was fielded August 14-17, 2026, and 14% of consumers bought oral care products less frequently over the past year. Results are self-reported intentions and purchasing behavior, and the survey does not measure actual account spending.

The players

Consumer Healthcare Products Association

A trade association representing manufacturers of over-the-counter medicines and consumer health products, which conducted the nationwide survey.

American Dental Association

The nation's largest dental professional organization, which has endorsed the proposed legislation as a way to improve preventive care access.

The details

Consumer Healthcare Products Association released findings showing widespread interest in using tax-advantaged health accounts for everyday oral care. The survey also found 88% of respondents recognize oral health can affect overall health, and 91% agreed that healthy teeth and gums can help prevent chronic and costly problems.

August 14-17, 2026: Survey fieldwork conducted among U.S. adults
November 9, 2026: CHPA survey findings published

Policy Backdrop

The Bipartisan Oral Health Products Inclusion Act (H.R. 1219) would expand HSA and FSA eligibility to certain preventive oral care products, which current law generally excludes. The survey's findings give the proposal consumer-demand evidence, though its passage remains undetermined.

Households with HSA or FSA accounts may be able to use pre-tax dollars for everyday oral care only if eligibility laws change. Until then, cost-conscious shoppers may keep trading down or delaying replacements, which the survey found is already happening.

The takeaway

Reviewing your HSA or FSA eligibility rules can help you plan for routine dental and oral health costs. Keeping up with routine oral care may also help avoid more expensive treatment later.