Does pet insurance include dental treatments?
Only a handful of pet insurance policies cover dental treatment as standard – but you can usually pay extra to add it to other policies. Some pet insurance policies just cover dental accidents – such as a broken tooth – but not dental illnesses or long-term conditions.
Key takeaways
Maintaining your cat or dog’s dental health is important as dental problems can cause significant pain and discomfort
Some pet insurance policies offer dental cover as standard, while with others you’ll need to add it for an extra cost
Cover depends on the policy type, with lifetime policies offering the most comprehensive cover
Pet insurance won’t cover routine dental treatment such as check-ups and cleaning
As well as using their teeth to eat, both cats and dogs use their teeth to chew, nibble and gnaw almost anything. Dental accidents and illnesses are quite common and can be painful. They can also lead to infections that spread to your pet’s other organs.
Pet owners can look after their pets by setting up a dental care routine which includes both regular brushing at home and annual dental check-ups with a vet.
Do I need pet dental cover?
Yes, pet dental cover can be a good idea because dental problems can be expensive to treat.
Pet insurance which includes dental cover can help you manage the cost of emergency dental care, such as broken teeth, as well as illnesses such as gum disease, and abscesses.
If you have a pet insurance policy which covers dental treatment, it should cover some or all of the costs of emergency dental care for your pet.
Do all pet insurance policies include dental cover as standard?
No, not all pet insurance policies include dental cover as standard. Of those that do, there will usually be a limit on dental care. For example, Waggel dog insurance policies cover treatment costs associated with dental-related accidents and illnesses up to £1,000.
Some policies will only cover dental treatment resulting from an accident – but not illnesses or long-term conditions. Most pet insurance policies won’t cover routine check-ups and cleaning. However, keeping up to date with these might be a requirement for the policy to remain valid.
What types of dental treatment does pet insurance cover?
The types of treatments your policy covers will be dependent on the type of policy you have.
Accident-only cover will only cover dental treatments as the result of an accident. Meanwhile, lifetime pet insurance policies will usually cover most dental treatments your pet needs, including those that are chronic or related to an illness. However, lifetime insurance is the most expensive type of pet insurance.
What dental treatment isn’t covered by pet insurance?
Most pet dental insurance policies, even those with comprehensive coverage, are unlikely to cover routine dental procedures such as regular cleaning, scaling or polishing teeth, or certain elective procedures.
Certain dental treatments will also not usually be covered if they are linked to a pre-existing condition or conditions resulting from a lack of care, such as general tooth decay.
As the name suggests, accident-only policies will only cover dental problems which occur as the result of an accident, such as a cracked tooth. Some time-limited policies also include this stipulation. These policies won’t cover illnesses or chronic dental conditions.
Some policies will only cover dental treatment for your pet as long they’ve had an annual dental examination and any treatment recommended is carried out within a set timeframe.
The build-up of plaque and tartar is linked to a long list of painful and destructive oral health issues. Plaque and tartar can create pockets under the gum that collect debris and bacteria, leading to infection.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition with different stages varying in severity. Without treatment, it can cause gums to recede and the soft tissue and bone around the teeth to become eroded. Sometimes it can lead to tooth loss.
For pets that are enthusiastic about play and chewing, trauma to the teeth can be quite common. Fractures, cracks, and the gradual wearing down of teeth can cause pain when the sensitive nerves inside the teeth are exposed.
Gingivostomatitis is a dental disease that is specific to cats. It is a painful condition that can cause your cat’s mouth to become inflamed, making it difficult for them to eat or drink.
Tooth resorption, also known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, is one of the most common dental issues that affects cats. It occurs when a type of cells called odontoclasts – which are responsible for the absorption of the roots of baby teeth – begin attacking and eroding the adult teeth.
A dental abscess is an infection that takes the form of pus that collects inside or around your pet’s teeth. It is caused by bacteria getting into vulnerable areas, usually by getting under the gumline or getting inside a damaged tooth. Dental abscesses can be very serious and painful for your pet, and usually require immediate treatment.
What dental health problems can pets have?
Plaque and tartar build-up
Periodontal disease/gingivitis/gum disease
Worn, fractured, cracked, or broken teeth
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis
Tooth Resorption
Dental abscess
How do I know if my pet has a dental problem?
Look out for the following symptoms in your pet which may indicate that they have a dental health problem.
Bad breath
Discoloured teeth/gums
Pain or difficulty eating
Weight loss/loss of appetite
Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
Loose, missing, or broken teeth
Excessive drooling
Swelling in the face
Pawing at/rubbing the mouth/face
Blood in saliva
Lethargy
Do dogs’ teeth really need to be cleaned?
Yes, dogs’ teeth need to be cleaned. You should start doing this daily (or at least three times a week) when they are young and use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically for dogs. Dental chews and toys can also help keep your dog’s teeth clean.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to various issues such as the build-ups of plaque, tartar, and bacteria - these can all lead to different types of infections and long-term damage. Bacterial build up in the mouth can even enter the blood stream, if left unchecked, and infect other organs.
You need to clean cats’ teeth too. It’s best to start this at about six-months-old as by then they would have finished teething - brushing earlier may be too painful.
How often should my pet get dental cleaning?
Both cats and dogs should have their dental health inspected by a professional and undergo a proper dental cleaning once per year. Having your pet’s teeth properly cleaned also gives you the opportunity to speak to your vet about your pet’s specific oral health needs.
Different breeds will have different requirements when it comes to oral health, and some breeds are more prone to dental health problems. Because of this, it is important that you check with your vet to confirm how often you should clean your pet’s teeth and the right techniques/ products to use.
Regular teeth cleaning is the number one recommended method to combat dental issues. Brushing regularly and effectively can prevent tartar from forming, remove plaque and lingering bacteria, and protect your pet’s teeth during the day.
The sooner you start to establish a routine of brushing your pet’s teeth, the better chance you have of avoiding dental health problems as your pet gets older.
Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be toxic to animals, so it is important that you use dental products designed specifically for pets. Most animal toothpastes are also given appealing flavours to make teeth-cleaning more enjoyable for them.
The toothbrush you use is also an important product to consider. A good toothbrush should be the right size and type for your pet.
Certain foods contain ingredients that aren’t healthy for your pet’s teeth. Sugars and carbohydrates in particular can feed the oral bacteria that lead to infections and decay. If you are concerned about your pet’s dental health, there are certain brands that offer pet food that is specially formulated to protect your pet’s teeth and gums.
Dental chews come in tasty flavours, making them a real treat for your pet, while at the same time offering oral health benefits.
Chews and dental treats aren’t a replacement for proper teeth cleaning but, when used in addition to brushing, they can help to remove plaque and freshen breath.
How to prevent dental issues in dogs and cats
Brush their teeth regularly and start young
Using proper pet dental products
Good quality pet food
Dental chews and treats
How much does pet dental treatment cost?
If your dog or cat is suffering from a serious dental health problem that requires regular vet’s treatment, costs can add up quickly. In some cases your vet may refer your pet to a vet dentist for more complex work.
The right pet insurance policy can protect you from some of the costs of dental care for your pet. Make sure you know what’s covered and any limits on costs or how long a particular condition will be treated for.
Pet insurance can also cover other vet’s bills as well, such as the cost of finding a lost pet, alternative therapies, third-part liability cover, and euthanasia if required.
Find great deals on pet insurance that includes dental cover
The key to finding a pet insurance that covers dental is to understand what, if any, dental treatment is covered by your policy. You can normally pay extra to have dental treatment added to a standard policy.
At MoneySuperMarket, we compare pet insurance policies on your behalf, giving you the best value policies to browse and choose from at your leisure. With a range of cover options to choose from, we’ll help you find the perfect policy for you and your pet.
