Can Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning?

Does pet insurance include dental cover? 

Given part of your pet’s oral healthcare routine should be a six-monthly check-up with a routine clean, it’s fair to wonder if your pet insurance will cover it. Even if you have an existing policy that covers illnesses and the like, it may not cover the dental variety. As a result, you’ll likely need to purchase dental cover as an additional policy to your existing one. 

On the plus side, you may find that extra policy gives you further value if it includes other convenient routine care, like vaccinations and worming, to help keep your pet in good health.  

What dental conditions might pet insurance cover? 

There are a few common pet dental issues, including: 

• gingivitis: gum inflammation caused by plaque or calculus
• periodontitis: inflammation of the tissue that connects gum and teeth, which can lead to irreversible tissue loss around teeth
• stomatitis: inflammation of the membrane lining inside the mouth, which usually comes with a secondary bacterial infection, and may have no clear cause 

Pet insurance policies differ as to what is covered but you’ll likely be able to find dental cover that includes the above issues. This cover may also extend to removing any broken or infected teeth, and cleaning your pet’s teeth. 

You may want to keep in mind though that waiting periods can apply. For instance, you might have to hold the policy for six months before you can claim on any dental treatments.  

Helpful Tip from Choosi’s Team of Choosers:

Be aware that you might not be able to get cover for pre-existing dental conditions – including those that show up during the waiting period. Therefore, it could be a smart idea to get dental cover before any show up, as well as get into the habit of looking after your pet’s teeth now.

What are the signs and symptoms of dental conditions? 

While the signs and symptoms can vary between animals and conditions, some things to be on the lookout for include: 

• bad breath
• yellow or brown stains on teeth
• loose, broken, or infected teeth
• dropping food when eating, including taking a bite then running away
• reluctance to chew hard food, including favourite treats
• loss of appetite
• lack of energy
• inflamed, receding, or blood-stained gums
• facial swelling

Your pet may also be reluctant to have their head touched or react as if threatened or hurt when you do pat them. 

For cats, a poor coat could be a sign that your pet is having difficulty grooming themselves because of a sore mouth. 

Certain pets may also be more likely to have dental conditions.  

For instance, brachycephalic dogs tend to have overcrowded teeth – they have the same number of teeth other dogs do but their smaller heads mean there’s less space for those teeth. As a result, it’s easier for food and the like to get caught between their teeth, creating the perfect breeding ground for dental disease.  

Similarly, pets that have a diet with lots of soft or sticky foods can have an increased risk of plaque building up. 

Older pets may also be more at risk of having dental issues. Unfortunately, it can also be harder to find cover for aging pets, so you may want to look at getting cover sooner rather than later. 

How much do dental treatments for pets cost? 

The severity of your pet’s needs, and the subsequent complexity of the treatment, will likely affect the cost of any dental treatment. However, your vet may provide you with a cost estimate beforehand so you can decide if you’d like to proceed. 

To put the cost into perspective, it may be helpful to think about just what goes on in even a basic dental treatment, like an oral exam with a scale and clean.  

For starters, your pet will need to be placed under a general anaesthetic. This helps ensure the process is more comfortable and less scary for them, while ensuring everyone is safe.  

With your pet safely sleeping, the vet can complete a thorough examination of your pet’s mouth, including looking at their teeth and gums. At this time, they may identify and remove any infected or loose teeth. 

Finally, they’ll use an ultrasonic scaler to clean plaque and tartar off your pet’s teeth. 

Once your pet wakes up, they’ll get to enjoy that clean mouth feeling you get after visiting the dentist. They’ll also have a cleaner slate to start from to keep their oral health in check. 

How can I look after my pet’s dental health? 

Ideally, you should start looking after your pet’s dental health when they’re young. However, it’s never too late to make a healthy change.

Use a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to brush their teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth every day, or even just once a week, can help keep their mouth healthy. It may take a little practice for the two of you to get comfortable with this routine though. Some pets may need a little time and patience to get used to you touching their mouth, while others may not appreciate it all. As a result, starting this routine while your pet is young and primed for new experiences could be a good idea. 

Feed them raw bones

Both cats and dogs can benefit from chewing on raw bones regularly. The action helps to naturally shift plaque off their teeth. Keep in mind that these should always be raw; cooked bones can splinter and cause serious damage to your pet’s mouth or internal organs if swallowed. Additionally, bones that are too small can be a choking hazard while bones that are too big can fracture your pet’s teeth. 

An alternative for dogs is to feed them crunchy fruits and vegetables that require lots of chewing. Apples, pumpkins, and carrots are great options. Be sure to check that any food you give your dog isn’t poisonous to them. Some foods we enjoy regularly can be harmful to dogs. 

Feed your pet a specially formulated dental food

There are many dental pet foods available these days which can help keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Your vet may be able to provide a recommendation for your pet. They can also help you work out how to introduce it to your pet’s diet. Simply swapping out an old food for a new dental one may upset their stomach. 

You can also buy dental treats for your pet to snack on. 

Take them to the vet every six months

Just like with our own oral health, a great way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy is to have them get a professional clean twice a year. This could also be an overall check-up appointment too, including vaccinations or worming. It’s also an opportunity to talk to the vet about any concerns you have regarding your pet.

Watch out for signs and symptoms of dental issues

Preventative care helps you to minimise the risk of your pet developing dental problems. However, there will always be a possibility that something goes south when it comes to your pet’s mouth. Being a proactive pet parent then is your next line of defence. 

Make it a regular habit to check your pet’s mouth for any signs of oral health issues. Changes in behaviour too could indicate they aren’t feeling well. A dental condition could be the root cause if they start acting not quite themselves. 

If you spot any symptoms that concern you, book an appointment with the vet as soon as possible. Remember, oral health conditions are easier to treat when they’re just starting to develop. 

Where can I find and compare pet insurance? 

While brushing your pet’s teeth might be tricky, finding a pet insurance policy shouldn’t be. That’s why iSelect, with the help of Choosi, makes it easier to find and compare pet insurance policies from a range of providers online. With things made that simple, it means more time for you to spend with your pet.