February is Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that dogs have 42 permanent teeth while cats only have 30? Regardless of the number of pearly whites your pets possess, keeping up with their oral hygiene is an important part of their overall health. In honor of Pet Dental Health Month, VPI is encouraging pet parents to brush up on their knowledge of dog and cat dental care.

Preventive tooth care is not only necessary for pets, it’s financially sound for pet owners. In 2011, the average claim amount for pet teeth cleaning was $164. In contrast, the average claim amount for treating tooth-related disease was $238. VPI recommends pet owners have their furry friends’ oral and dental health evaluated regularly by a veterinarian. Between regular check-ups, pet owners should look for the warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines, and bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched.

All smiles here!

Periodontal disease, a condition caused by residual food, bacteria and tartar that collect in the spaces between the gum and tooth (resulting in infection that spreads to the bone), accounted for the most dental claims received by VPI last year—nearly 20,000. Tooth infections, inclusive of cavities and abscesses, accounted for the second most common tooth-related claims, totaling nearly 4,800. Infections of the teeth are typically the result of untreated tooth decay, cracked teeth or severe periodontal disease.

So how do you prevent dental disease from threatening your pet? The American Veterinary Dental Society outlines these simple steps:

Caring for your companions’ dental health, while critical, can be costly for pet owners. Last year, VPI policyholders spent more than $8.5 million on pet dental conditions. Fortunately, dental coverage is available for Fluffy and Fido. VPI’s base medical plans reimburse for everything from tooth abscess to root canals and periodontal disease. VPI’s optional CareGuard Premire coverage is available for routine care, allowing pet owners to elect annual dental cleanings for their cats and dogs. Visit our website to get a free quote or to learn more about pet dental coverage.