What is dental care?
Dental care is one of the most important things you can do for your pet's health. Regular checkups and cleanings can help keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy, and prevent serious problems from developing. If not properly treated, your pet can experience severe pain, making it difficult to eat, sleep, and play. In addition, the longer you wait, the more expensive it may be to treat your pet for any dental problems.
Dental care is offered in conjunction with your pet's traditional insurance plan. In most cases, owners pay a monthly fee toward their annual premium and receive reimbursement for certain percentages of upfront dental costs paid out of pocket after meeting the deductible. Not all pet insurance policies cover dental treatments, so it's important to carefully compare details between policies to find what works best for you and your pet.
What is covered under dental care?
Dental coverage varies greatly based on the pet insurer. Some do not offer dental coverage at all. Some will only cover dental accidents. Some pet insurance policies do cover routine dental care, including examinations, cleanings, and X-rays, but only as part of their routine care plan. There are three general types of dental coverage:
- Dental injury: These are injuries such as broken, chipped, or fractured teeth.
- Dental illness: Some illnesses can impact your pet's teeth, such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, and stomatitis. There are a few policies that cover extensive treatment, such as root canals, extractions, and crowns.
- Routine dental care: This includes preventive care such as teeth cleaning, toothbrushes, and dental check-ups. These services are typically an add-on to your existing plan.
A routine care plan will increase the cost of your plan, but it may be worth it since it can offset the cost of dental cleanings and keep your pet's teeth healthier. Each pet insurance policy offers different dental care coverages and has certain requirements you must meet. For example, some insurers require you to submit records with your claim showing that a teeth cleaning was completed in the previous year under general anesthesia for dental coverage.
What is not covered under dental care?
While every policy is different, most do not cover pre-existing dental conditions. They also do not typically include routine dental care such as teeth cleaning, toothbrushes, and dental foods. Many pet insurance providers offer supplemental pet wellness or routine dental care plans that can reimburse you for your pet's dental cleaning costs.
Generally, anything that results from inadequate dental care is not covered. Also any dental care that is considered cosmetic is not covered unless it is considered medically necessary. Most pet insurance companies also have a limit on dental coverage. That's why it's important to find a pet insurance plan that offers the type of dental coverage you need.
How much does dental care cost?
The cost to get your dog's teeth cleaned can range from $300 to $700. Dental procedures such as extractions can run thousands of dollars. Some pet insurance companies cover dental care under their comprehensive or accident and illness plans. On average, the monthly cost for comprehensive insurance is $30 for cats and $50 for dogs.
Routine dental care typically costs $20-$25 per month as a standalone plan. Some pet insurance policies either offer it as part of a standard policy or it can be added on to a plan for an additional fee. Not all plans are the same, so it is important to read and compare the policies carefully.
Is dental care for pets worth it?
Dental care can be expensive, but it is worth taking care of all aspects of your pet's health. There is no doubt that pets are an important part of many people's lives. Not only do they bring us companionship and joy, but they can also act as an important support system in difficult times. Oral health is an important part of their health. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.
Many veterinary dentists believe that oral health problems in pets can be linked to behavioral problems like chewing and anxiety, making good oral hygiene even more crucial to both pets and their human companions alike. Regular dental care for pets also has numerous benefits that go far beyond reducing plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth. Maintaining healthy gums and teeth can have a positive impact on a pet's overall wellbeing by preventing infection and minimizing systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Take care of your pet's teeth
When it comes to taking care of your pet's teeth, there are a few key things you should keep in mind. Practicing preventive care for your pet will keep dental issues at bay or stop any problems from getting worse. Provide your pet with a high-quality diet that is full of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Feeding your pet a healthy and well-balanced diet on a regular basis will help to keep their teeth and gums strong and healthy.
In addition, you should make sure that you are regularly cleaning your pet's teeth. This can be done by brushing them with a special pet toothbrush and toothpaste or simply by giving your pets chew toys or treats that double as oral care tools. Staying on top of these basic steps will help to keep your pet's teeth nice and clean, ensuring optimal oral health for years to come.
It is understandable that many pet owners want to take the best possible care of their furry friends. And for many people, this means investing in regular dental care for their pets. Giving our beloved pets regular dental care can have major positive impacts on their health and happiness, so to many pet owners, investing in their oral health really seems like a small price to pay. Remember, it's important to find a pet insurance plan that fits both your needs and budget. And be sure to read the fine print, so you understand what is and isn't covered by your policy.