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8 Dental Expenses That Are Tax-Deductible

Going to the dentist might not be much fun, but there are ways to save.

By Will Vitka

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Feb. 4, 2025

Going to the dentist probably doesn't sound like a great time. You'll be poked and prodded and — maybe — have your teeth drilled.

But the experience might be slightly more pleasant if you are able to deduct some of the expenses you incur from your taxes.

Here are dental expenses that you can deduct. Perhaps you will even save enough money to help in your quest to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.

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Cleanings

Dental cleanings are one of the best ways to keep your teeth in good shape, which in turn can lower your long-term dental expenses significantly.

As with the other expenses on this list, you can only deduct cleanings on Schedule A (Form 1040) if your total dental and medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

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Fluoride treatments

Only medically necessary dental treatments are tax-deductible, but that includes fluoride treatments.

Cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening don't qualify. Over-the-counter items like toothpaste or non-prescription medicines are also not deductible.

X-rays

X-rays count as far as tax-deductible dental procedures go. Such imaging may be used to diagnose conditions that have a direct bearing on the health of your teeth and gums.

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Fillings and root canals

Nobody likes having teeth filled or undergoing root canals. But at least you can deduct the cost associated with these treatments.

Surgeries and extractions

Surgical procedures and extractions can be tax-deductible if they are deemed medically necessary.

For example, having wisdom teeth removed or undergoing oral surgery to treat an injury or health condition qualifies for a deduction.

Medications

Medications can be tax-deductible if a dentist prescribes them and they are used to treat a medical condition. This includes prescription drugs.

Over-the-counter medications — like pain relievers or cold medicine — are generally not deductible unless prescribed.

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Dentures

Dentures can be tax-deductible if they are deemed medically necessary.

The cost of dentures — including any necessary fittings, adjustments, and other related expenses — can be deducted as part of your total medical and dental expenses.

Insurance premiums

Dental insurance premiums you paid in the current year are deductible if you itemize deductions.

This includes premiums for your spouse, dependents, and children under 27. You can deduct premiums for months when you're not eligible for employer-sponsored dental insurance. You can also deduct premiums that an employer includes on your W-2 as income.

If you have an ACA marketplace plan, only the portion not covered by subsidies is deductible. COBRA coverage allows you to deduct the full cost of your premiums.

Expenses you cannot deduct

You can't write off everything. Anything considered cosmetic is off the menu for consideration as deductions.

That includes:

Veneers
Mouth wash
Nonprescription medication
Teeth whitening
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste

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The rules for making deductions

We touched on this before, but to qualify for a tax deduction on medical and dental expenses, the IRS requires that your total expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

You can only deduct the amount above that threshold. For example, if your expenses total $6,000 and 7.5% of your AGI is $5,000, you can only deduct the $1,000 that exceeds the threshold.

It's important to calculate this properly to ensure you're maximizing potential deductions. Keep track of all medical and dental receipts to substantiate your claim.

How to claim deductions

To deduct dental expenses, you should use the Schedule A tax form, which calculates itemized deductions. Enter your total medical and dental expenses in the designated section and calculate the 7.5% AGI threshold.

On top of that, Schedule A allows for other non-medical deductions such as state and local taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Add these amounts on line 17, then total your deductions on line 12 of your Form 1040.

Be sure to include all eligible expenses to maximize your potential tax benefit. Keep detailed records to support your claims.

Proof you might need to support deductions

Tracking all of your medical and dental expenses throughout the year is pretty important, since they can be combined for your deduction.

Include health and dental insurance premiums, medications, hospital bills, surgeries, eye exams, and any other health care-related costs.

Keeping thorough records of receipts will help ensure you maximize deductions. Consider digitizing your receipts to stay organized and avoid losing them. Digital records are easy to store and can be accessed when needed, making tax preparation more efficient.

Keep everything organized so things go smoothly when it's time to file your taxes.

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Bottom line

Going to the dentist is rarely fun, but at least there are ways to cut your costs and keep more cash in your wallet.

Taking care of teeth can be pricey, but certain expenses are tax-deductible. Make sure you're keeping good records so you can take advantage of this tax break if you become eligible to do so.

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