A survey by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association found that 83% of HSA and FSA account holders would use their tax-free healthcare dollars to purchase oral hygiene products like toothpaste and floss if these items were eligible. The Oral Health Products Inclusion Act, pending in Congress, would amend tax code to allow such purchases, with support from dental and consumer health organizations.
- Eighty-three percent of HSA/FSA holders surveyed said they would spend tax-free dollars on oral care products if eligible, rising to 91% among account holders with children under 18.
- Current regulations prohibit HSA and FSA funds from covering basic oral hygiene items, including toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes, and electric dental devices.
- Consumer spending patterns shifted in 2026, with 14% buying oral care products less frequently and 14% switching to lower-cost brands.
- The ADA supports the legislation, noting that HSA/FSA-eligible oral products would make preventive care more affordable and potentially reduce overall healthcare costs.
Most owners of health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) want greater freedom to purchase oral hygiene products like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other oral care items, according to survey findings from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).
Eighty-three percent of account holders said they would use their HSA/FSA funds to buy oral hygiene products if those items were eligible. Ninety-one percent of HSA/FSA account holders with children under 18 said they would use those funds for oral care products, as would 89% of account holders ages 18 to 49.
“Oral health is whole-body health, and Americans clearly understand the importance of caring for their teeth and gums as part of a healthy lifestyle,” said Scott Melville, President and CEO of CHPA, in an October 7 news release. “Our survey shows consumers want more flexibility to use the healthcare dollars they've already set aside on the products they rely on every day to support good oral health.”
For the survey, CHPA, the trade association for manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, polled 1,200 U.S. adults age 21 and older, including 1,000 registered voters, from August 14-17, 2026. The survey was designed to be nationally representative and weighted against census and voter data.
CHPA’s survey also revealed that consumers adjusted their oral hygiene buying habits this year. One in seven said they bought oral care products less frequently (14%) or switched to lower-cost brands (14%). Other survey respondents said they reduced their use of certain products (11%) or delayed replacing their oral care products (9%)
Current regulations preclude HSA/FSA funds from being used to purchase oral hygiene products like electric toothbrushes and water flossers or even fundamental products like floss and toothpaste. Other items, however, such as medical supplies and over-the-counter medications, are permitted.
The Oral Health Products Inclusion Act is before Congress and would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, allowing individuals to use their HSA/FSA funds to buy over-the-counter oral hygiene products.
“Good oral health starts with daily care, and everyday essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss are an important part of maintaining health and preventing disease,” said Dr. Richard Rosato, president of the ADA, in the release. “Making oral health products HSA and FSA eligible would help make preventive care more affordable while potentially reducing healthcare costs down the road. The American Dental Association supports legislation that makes this possible for our patients.”
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, a dentist in New Jersey, was introduced in February 2025 and has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further study. It’s the second attempt for the bill. The first one, HR 8599, never received a vote.
