Dogs have teeth, and while they are strong enough to bite bones, they can also go bad. And if you’ve ever had to go to a dentist, you would know that the bills can be big. Dental problems in dogs can be expensive to treat as well. Luckily, dog insurance can help cover eligible dental costs. However, dental problems can range from infections to broken teeth and sometimes mere teeth cleaning. The type of plan you have will dictate whether or not the particular cost is covered.
Let’s understand dogs and teeth a little more first.
Does Spot Pet Insurance Cover Dental Problems?
Yes, the accidents and illnesses plan by Spot Pet Insurance can help cover eligible dental problems, and our wellness add-on can help cover the cost of dental cleanings as well. The only condition is that the condition should not be a pre-existing one, and the symptoms should not occur during the waiting period.
Apart from the cost of surgery, we can also help cover the eligible costs of diagnosis, prescription diets, alternate therapies and much more.
Dogs and Teeth: An Overview
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth – 20 on the top jaw and 22 on the bottom one. Just like us, they start with milk teeth that start falling when they are around 3.5 months old. They get their full set of adult teeth by the time they are 6 months old.
These teeth can get into multiple issues because of the following. – (1)
Poor hygiene – For obvious reasons
Age – General wear and tear
Overcrowding – If the milk teeth don’t fall off before the adult teeth start to grow, it can lead to overcrowding in the mouth which can cause alignment issues.
Trauma – Accidents and injuries can lead to fractured teeth. Chewing on a very hard object can also cause it.
Diet – The type of food and quality of food can both determine dental health. Wet food, for example, sticks more to the teeth and hence increases the chances for bacteria to develop.
Are Some Breeds More Prone to Dental Problems?
Yes, certain breeds are more prone to dental problems. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Poodles have smaller mouths and hence a higher chance of teeth crowding. Dogs with flatter faces like Bulldogs, Boxers, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus also face a similar problem.
What Are the Symptoms of Dental Diseases in Dogs?
It can be difficult to spot dental problems in dogs as, most of the time, you won’t see any symptoms. However, here are some signs that can indicate a problem in their mouths – (1)
Symptom | Description |
Bad breath | Unpleasant odor from the mouth |
Chewing on one side of the mouth | Favoring one side while eating |
Weight loss or refusal to eat | Loss of appetite or noticeable weight reduction |
Yellowish or brown covering on teeth | Plaque or tartar buildup on teeth |
Bleeding gums | Gums appear red, swollen, or bleed easily |
Excessive drooling | More saliva than usual |
Swelling on the face | Visible swelling around the mouth or jaw |
Constant pawing at the face | Frequent scratching or rubbing of the face |
Dropping food from the mouth | Difficulty keeping food in the mouth |
If you see any of these in your dog, you should consult a vet immediately before it gets worse. The vet might even sedate the dog to examine if the dog doesn’t allow it because of the pain. X-rays can help identify problems in the roots.
Common Dental Problems in Dogs
Dental problems are very common in dogs. They are actually one of the most common medical conditions seen by vets. A study shows that over 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease. (2) Here are the most common dental diseases found in dogs – (1)
Plaque – The build-up of saliva, food and bacteria in the teeth eventually turns into a hard, brown substance called tartar. It can damage the teeth and cause a lot of pain to the dog. The bacteria can even enter the blood and cause problems in the kidneys, heart and liver.
Gingivitis – The same plaque and tartar can cause the gums to get inflamed, red and bleeding. This is called gingivitis.
Abscess – When the bacteria get underneath the gums, it can cause an infection called tooth root abscess. They can be very painful and are usually seen as an inflammation just under the eyes.
Periodontal Disease- This is a gum disease that is described as infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth.
Broken teeth – Accidents and injuries can cause teeth to break. They are usually very strong, but in case they are infected by bacteria, they can break or crack easily. Dogs that have a habit of chewing on furniture have a higher chance of cracked teeth.
How to treat dental problems in dogs
The treatment can be basic or elaborative, depending on the problem. Common treatment options include a dental procedure like tooth removal or surgery. Anti-inflammatory medicines are usually prescribed for pain relief. Not all cases may need antibiotics, but the vet may prescribe them in case of infections.
What is the cost of treating dental problems in dogs?
The cost, just like the treatment, will totally depend on the problem. Here are some average costs for common dental problems – (3) (4)
Dental cleaning - A basic dental cleaning can cost anywhere between $100 and $200.
Extraction - $100-$120 per tooth
Root Canal - $1500-$3000
Periodontal Disease - $1500-$1900
If your dog needs anesthesia, you can expect to spend around $200-$300 more on the surgery depending on the complication. Apart from these, there may be some diagnostics costs attached. An oral exam may cost you around $50-$90. X-Rays typically cost between $125-$250. Bloodwork will cost you around $100-$150.
Does Dog Insurance Cover Dental Problems?
Yes, dog insurance can help cover eligible dental problems - but the kind of plan that you have determines what exactly can be covered with pet insurance. If you have an accident and illness plan, you can be covered for dental accidents like fractures and other dental illnesses. While most plans do not cover dental cleanings, there is usually a wellness add-on that you can add that will help cover them.
More about Spot Pet Insurance
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Important Information About Pet Insurance and Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are only covered if they are necessary due to a dental disease. Routine dental cleanings are only covered through the optional wellness add-on.
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
Dental disease in dogs. (n.d.). PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/dental-disease-in-dogs
Dental disease in dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-dogs
Taffer, M. (2024, September 20). How much does it cost to remove a dog’s tooth? Betterpet - Advice From Veterinarians and Actual Pet Experts. https://betterpet.com/dog-tooth-extraction-cost/
Steere, K. (2021, December 23). Budgeting for pet dental costs: vet bills, insurance & more. Pawlicy Advisor. https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/pet-dental-cost-budget/
