All expenses look doable when it comes to our canine buddies – be it special diets, cozy beds, and even toys that last about five minutes. The moment it comes to cleaning their teeth, we all start doing mental math and questioning whether they even need pearly whites. After all, they don’t have to worry about bad breath before a kiss, right?
Yes and no. They don’t need to worry about bad breath before a kiss, but bad breath can be an indication of an underlying dental condition that can be quite severe. A regular dental cleaning may cost you around $100-$200. (2) However, if it turns out to be a bigger issue, the total cost can reach 4-digits as well.
Luckily, pet insurance does cover all kinds of dental diseases. Most regular plans do not cover dental cleaning as it is covered under hygiene. Some insurers do offer a wellness plan that can cover the cost of dental cleaning as well. We know that we at Spot Pet do!
Let’s understand dogs and their teeth a little more so you can calculate for yourself if getting pet insurance and an additional add-on is worth it or not for your dog.
Dogs and Teeth – Overview
Dogs have teeth just like ours (10 more than ours, actually) and they can get bad. Dental conditions are one of the most common medical problems seen in dogs. Here are some of the most common dental problems seen by vets – (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.
You’ll see that most of these are simply caused by a lack of dental hygiene. In case of plaque and tartar build-up, the dog’s heart, liver and kidneys can be at risk as well. Hence, it is very important to maintain a regular dental cleaning routine for your dog.
How to Prevent Dental Problems in Dogs?
Prevention is always the best cure. Here are some tips to maintain good teeth for your dog and prevent dental problems –
Brushing – The primary reason for tartar and plaque buildup is the food stuck up the teeth. The simple solution to avoid it is to brush their teeth daily. You may have to deal with some tantrums, but here’s how you can avoid them –
Let the dog taste the toothpaste to make them think of it as a treat and not a chore.
Rub a soft cloth along their gums a few times to get them used to having their mouths touched. Praise and reward them for letting you do so peacefully.
Once your dog is familiar with the cloth, move on to a brush that fits on your finger.
If there is no rebel, start brushing their teeth. A brush with a long handle will help reach all parts of the mouth.
Do not ever use human toothpaste.
Dental toys – You get dental chews that can help clean your dog’s teeth. Do not over-use them, as they shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your pet's daily food allowance.
Diet – Adding some dry food to the dog’s diet can be a good way of removing some plaque from their teeth as they chew. Wet food usually gets stuck and eventually causes plaque if not cleaned.
Mouthwash – You can get anti-bacterial mouthwash as well that can be added to the dog’s water bowl to keep their mouth clean. Do not use human mouthwashes.
Check-ups – Most importantly, ensure regular vet visits to detect dental problems, if any, at an early stage. Most conditions do not show any visible symptoms and can be detected only using bloodwork or X-rays.
While you may clean your dog’s teeth regularly, getting a professional dental cleaning done once or twice a year helps.
Now, the main question is if it is covered under pet insurance. And if yes, what all costs are covered?
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning?
There are usually two types of pet insurance plans available – accident only and accidents and illnesses. The former will cover any type of injury or trauma that your dog is affected by. It can include broken teeth in an accident. The second one will cover accidents and almost all types of illnesses. They include dental problems like gingivitis, periodontal disease, etc. When it comes to dental cleaning or any type of dental cosmetic procedure, there is usually an add-on that you can purchase that covers them. At Spot Pet Insurance, our wellness add-on covers the cost of dental cleaning.
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 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.
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.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Dental disease in dogs. (n.d.). PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/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/
