Is Pet Dental Coverage Worth It?

As a responsible pet owner, you probably already know how essential it is to take care of your pet’s overall health. But have you considered their dental health? 

Just like humans, pets can develop dental issues that lead to discomfort, pain, and even serious health problems if left untreated. 

From periodontal disease to tooth decay, the consequences of neglecting your pet’s teeth can be severe and expensive to treat.

This is where pet dental coverage comes in. Many pet insurance policies offer dental coverage as an add-on or as part of a comprehensive plan. 

But is it really worth the extra cost? In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the importance of dental care for your pet, what dental coverage typically includes, and whether it’s worth adding to your insurance policy.

Why Pet Dental Care is Crucial

Dental health is an often-overlooked aspect of pet care, but it’s incredibly important. According to the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the time they reach 3 years old. Poor dental health can lead to a variety of problems, including:

• Periodontal Disease: One of the most common dental problems in pets, periodontal disease occurs when bacteria build up on the teeth, leading to inflammation of the gums and the tissue around the teeth. It can cause pain, swelling, bad breath, and even tooth loss.

• Tooth Decay: While tooth decay is less common in pets than in humans, it can still occur, particularly if your pet has poor oral hygiene.

• Bad Breath: Halitosis, or bad breath, is often a sign of dental problems. It’s usually caused by the buildup of bacteria or food particles on your pet’s teeth.

• Oral Tumors: While not as common, oral tumors can develop in pets, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

• Systemic Health Issues: Poor dental health doesn’t just affect the mouth—it can also impact other areas of your pet’s health. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

What Does Pet Dental Coverage Include?

Dental coverage for pets can vary from one insurance provider to another, but most pet insurance plans offer dental care in one of the following ways:

The best pet insurance providers offer accident-only dental coverage. This typically covers dental issues caused by accidents, such as broken or fractured teeth resulting from trauma. This coverage is often included in standard accident or illness policies.

• Coverage: Accidental dental injuries, such as a broken tooth from chewing on something hard.

• Limitations: Does not cover routine dental cleanings or dental diseases, like periodontal disease or tooth decay.

Routine dental care coverage usually includes preventive services like annual dental cleanings and exams. This type of coverage can help ensure your pet’s teeth stay healthy and free from plaque buildup, which can lead to more severe issues.

• Coverage: Routine cleanings, exams, and sometimes fluoride treatments or dental sealants.

• Limitations: Many policies that cover routine care have limits on the number of cleanings per year or may require additional premiums to cover these services fully.

Comprehensive dental coverage is more inclusive and often part of a comprehensive pet insurance plan. It can cover a wider range of dental procedures, including surgery, tooth extractions, and treatments for dental disease.

• Coverage: Accidents, illnesses, routine cleanings, tooth extractions, periodontal disease treatments, and more.

• Limitations: May have exclusions for pre-existing dental conditions or limit coverage for some types of dental diseases.

What Are the Costs of Pet Dental Procedures?

Without insurance, dental care for pets can be expensive. Depending on the severity of the issue, the cost of dental procedures can range from a simple cleaning to more complex treatments like tooth extractions or surgery.

Here’s a breakdown of common dental procedures and their estimated costs:

• Routine Dental Cleaning: A basic cleaning can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on your pet’s size, age, and the location of the veterinary clinic.

• Tooth Extraction: If your pet needs a tooth extracted due to decay or injury, the cost can range from $500 to $1,000 per tooth.

• Periodontal Disease Treatment: Treating periodontal disease can involve deep cleaning under the gums, medication, and sometimes tooth extractions. This can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500, depending on the severity of the condition.

• Oral Surgery: In cases of oral tumors or more complex dental issues, oral surgery can cost several thousand dollars, especially if your pet requires anesthesia or hospitalization.

Is Pet Dental Coverage Worth It?

Now that we understand what pet dental coverage typically includes and the costs of dental care, let’s explore whether adding dental coverage to your pet insurance policy is worth it.

• Cost Savings: Pet dental procedures can be expensive, especially if your pet develops dental disease. Dental coverage can help you save money on both routine care and more complex treatments.

• Preventive Care: Regular cleanings can help prevent costly dental problems down the line. By including dental coverage in your pet insurance plan, you’ll be more likely to schedule regular cleanings and checkups.

• Early Detection: Dental coverage often includes exams, which can help detect dental issues before they become severe. This can save your pet from more serious health problems, and you can catch issues before they require costly surgeries.

• Comprehensive Care: If your pet suffers an accident that affects their teeth or gums, having comprehensive dental coverage ensures you won’t have to pay out of pocket for treatments and surgeries.

• Additional Premiums: Adding dental coverage to your policy may come with higher premiums. You’ll need to decide if the added cost is worth the potential benefits based on your pet’s health needs and your budget.

• Limitations and Exclusions: Most dental policies have exclusions, such as pre-existing dental conditions, and may only cover a limited number of cleanings per year. Be sure to understand the details of the coverage before committing.

• Not Always Necessary for Healthy Pets: If your pet has healthy teeth and gums and you’re diligent about home dental care (such as brushing their teeth regularly), you may not need additional dental coverage. In such cases, the added cost of coverage might not provide significant value.

When Should You Get Pet Dental Coverage?

Pet dental coverage is ideal for pets who are at risk of developing dental issues due to their breed, age, or overall health. For example:

• Older Pets: As pets age, they are more likely to develop dental problems, making dental coverage a good investment for senior pets.

• Pets with a History of Dental Issues: If your pet has had previous dental problems, it might be worth adding dental coverage to your policy to help manage future treatments.

• Certain Breeds: Some breeds, like small-breed dogs or brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs or Pugs), are more prone to dental issues, making coverage a smart choice.

• Pets with Poor Dental Hygiene: If your pet’s dental hygiene is neglected, adding dental coverage can help cover the cost of necessary procedures.

Conclusion: Is Pet Dental Coverage Worth It?

In the end, whether pet dental coverage is worth it depends on your individual pet’s needs and your budget. If your pet is prone to dental problems, is older, or has a history of dental issues, dental coverage can provide valuable financial protection and ensure that your pet receives the care they need. 

Additionally, if you’re concerned about the cost of routine cleanings or unexpected dental procedures, dental coverage could save you a significant amount of money over time.

However, if your pet is young, healthy, and you’re proactive about their dental hygiene, dental coverage may not be necessary, especially if the added premium cost doesn’t provide enough benefit.

When deciding, consider your pet’s health, your budget, and the specific coverage details of the insurance provider. Pet dental care is an important part of your pet’s overall well-being, and ensuring they have access to the right treatments can help them live a long, healthy life.