Does pet insurance cover dental?
Us humans know the importance of good dental hygiene, and the risks associated with neglecting our teeth and gums. Our pets are no different. Whether you have a dog or a cat, it’s your job to look after your pet’s oral health — those paws aren’t built for brushing teeth.
In dogs and cats, dental issues are one of the most common health conditions, particularly in pets aged four years and older. So, does pet insurance cover dental treatment?
While some pet insurers may cover dental as part of their standard policy, cover levels may vary. Others may only offer it as an option.
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Why do I need pet insurance with dental coverage?
The purpose of pet insurance is to provide coverage for health issues that affect your dog or cat – and it’s possible that your furry friend will be diagnosed with a dental problem at some stage of their lifetime.
Without dental coverage being included in your pet insurance, you’ll be liable for all costs associated with resolving any issues. That could mean paying to treat periodontal or gum disease, or to repair a badly fractured tooth — performing a tooth extraction on a dog can be especially expensive.
Pet insurers typically provide dental coverage in two forms: Dental Injury and Dental Illness. Dental Injury covers tooth loss, tooth fractures and jaw fractures. Dental Illness covers periodontal disease, root canal and gingivitis.
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How much can dental treatments cost?
The cost of dental treatments varies, depending on the condition and the severity of the issue.
Take periodontal disease, which is the most common dental issue in dogs over the age of three. Moderate cases can be improved with dental cleaning and scaling but there are four different grades of periodontal disease (0-4, with 4 the most severe) – the most serious examples will have damage to the jawbone and other issues that require more complicated intervention.
X-rays are usually involved, to assess the extent of the damage, and your pet will be put under general anesthesia during the treatment. The cost of treating periodontal disease therefore varies, but can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. 1
Signs of dental issues in your pet
Our pets can’t tell us that they have a dental issue — though some may do their best to communicate their discomfort by shaking their head or pawing at their jaw.
Fortunately, many oral health problems are easy to identify. Tell-tale signs of a dental issue include:
- Bleeding or redness around the gums
- Build-up of deposits and plaque on teeth
- Bad breath (worse than usual!)
- Discolored teeth
- Reluctance to eat — can indicate painful teeth
- A loose, broken or fractured tooth
- Excessive drooling
- Facial swelling
If you suspect a dental issue, don’t self-diagnose. Take your pet to your vet as soon as possible for an examination, official diagnosis, and treatment advice.
Preventing Dental Illnesses and Injuries
While it’s almost impossible that you can do anything to prevent your dog suddenly chipping a tooth — dental injuries are unpredictable — some dental illnesses can be preventable.
Regularly inspecting your pet’s mouth, teeth and gums can reveal any looming red flags when it comes to oral health. Periodontal disease usually starts with inflammation of the gums but can develop into a more serious infection if not identified and treated.
Your pet’s teeth should be brushed often. They may not like it much, but it’s key in preventing build-up of bacteria and tartar. Use a specialist dog or cat toothpaste and toothbrush — human products are unsuitable.
Alongside teeth brushing, chews and chew toys are a great way of keeping teeth in good condition.
Taking your pet to the vet for regular checkups and examinations will also prevent potential dental issues, too. Many vets provide dental cleaning as part of a healthcare plan.
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How to find pet insurance with great dental coverage
With dental issues such a high risk in pets, it’s important that their oral health is covered with any pet insurance policy.
Don’t assume all pet insurers include dental cover as standard. Take the time to review any pet insurance policy before signing up to check that dental cover is included, but also the type of coverage. Check coverage levels too, so you know the maximum cost of treatment you can claim.
Some insurers may only cover dental injury and not dental illness, so tooth extraction due to an accident will be covered, but not extraction because of an illness – such as gum disease.
Some insurers also offer optional preventative care coverage – which can include dental cleaning – for an additional fee.
Sources
(1): https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/periodontal-disease-in-dogs/
(2): https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/how-much-dog-teeth-dental-cleaning-cost/
(3): https://vetster.com/en/wellness/how-much-do-canine-tooth-extractions-and-jaw-surgery-cost/
(4): https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/complicated-dental-fractures/
(5): https://dentalecostsmile.com/dog-tooth-abscess-treatment-cost