Some oral remedies and treatments are eligible for purchase with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), but only if they are used to treat a specific medical condition and contain an active medicinal ingredient.
Why Are Some Oral Remedies and Treatments FSA/HSA Eligible?
Oral treatments that are designed to relieve pain, irritation, or other symptoms related to diagnosed dental or oral conditions—such as mouth sores, toothaches, gum inflammation, or dry mouth—are considered eligible medical expenses under IRS Code Section 213(d). These products must include an active ingredient and be labeled for medical use, not general hygiene or cosmetic purposes.
According to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria, eligible oral treatments must be used to treat a specific medical condition and include one or more active medicinal ingredients.
Common FSA- and HSA-eligible oral treatments include:
Toothache relief gels and liquids (containing benzocaine or eugenol)
Mouth sore or canker sore treatments (containing benzocaine, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide)
Cold sore creams or patches (containing docosanol or benzalkonium chloride)
Dry mouth sprays or lozenges (containing xylitol, calcium, or glycerin, when labeled for medical dry mouth)
Therapeutic fluoride rinses (with sodium fluoride) when marketed to prevent cavities
These items are eligible only when used to relieve a medical issue and marketed for that purpose.
What’s Not Covered?
General-use or cosmetic oral care products are not eligible. This includes:
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, or floss (even with fluoride, unless part of a prescribed treatment plan)
Whitening strips, cosmetic mouthwashes, or breath fresheners
Lip balms or mints without a medical indication
Herbal or essential oil blends with no listed active medicinal ingredient
Products that are primarily intended for hygiene, appearance, or comfort—rather than treatment—do not qualify.
How to Buy Oral Remedies and Treatments with Your FSA or HSA
You can purchase eligible oral care treatments directly at buyFSA.com using your FSA or HSA card. Every item listed on buyFSA.com is FSA- and HSA-eligible, so there’s no guesswork or reimbursement hassle.
If purchasing elsewhere:
Use your FSA or HSA card at checkout (in-store or online)
Check that the product contains an active medicinal ingredient and is marketed for treating a specific oral condition
Save your receipt in case your plan administrator requests documentation
Avoid cosmetic or general-use products not labeled for medical use
For additional guidance, refer to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria.
