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When you bring home a new puppy or kitten on the advice of a trusted breeder, your world suddenly fills with chew toys, training classes and cuddles. One thing that doesn’t always make the checklist? Teeth. It’s understandable – your little fur‑baby looks perfect, and if you’re a first‑time pet parent in your mid‑20s to mid‑40s you’ve got plenty of other expenses to juggle. But the reality is that dental disease is a silent epidemic. Around 80 % of dogs and 70 % of cats will develop dental disease by the age of three, and because animals tend to hide discomfort, it often goes unnoticed until the problem is advanced.
Neglecting dental health can lead to pain, tooth loss and even problems in your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. It can also drain your savings. Below we explore why dental procedures can be so expensive, the hidden costs of delaying care and practical steps you can take to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. We’ll also explain how PetsOnMe’s dental cover is tailored for owners who want peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Why dental procedures are so pricey
Veterinary dentistry is specialised work that requires training, equipment and, more often than not, sedation. A professional dog teeth cleaning can cost between $100 and $1,000, depending on the level of service. Anaesthesia‑free cleanings are cheaper (around $100–$300) but are not recommended; dogs can startle and injure themselves, and without sedation the vet can’t properly clean below the gum line or diagnose hidden problems. A deeper clean under anaesthesia typically costs $500–$1,000. If extractions are needed, expect another $200–$400 per tooth.
Those figures only cover routine procedures. PetSure claims data analysed by Bow Wow Meow found that the average cost of treating dental disease in dogs in 2024 was $816, with some bills climbing to $13,158. For cats over eight, the average was $1,068, with the highest cost reaching $5,258. These amounts don’t include the intangible cost of seeing your beloved companion in pain or the stress of deciding whether you can afford care.
Why do dental treatments vary so widely? In part because teeth problems rarely occur in isolation. Plaque and tartar build‑up can lead to infected gums, fractured teeth or abscesses that require surgery. These conditions often remain hidden until they’re advanced because pets instinctively continue eating and playing despite discomfort. By the time symptoms are obvious – bad breath, drooling, reluctance to chew, bleeding gums – the damage may require more invasive (and expensive) treatment.
Sedation isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity
If you’ve ever been offered a “quick clean” without sedation, be wary. Veterinary experts stress that skipping anaesthesia can end up costing more in the long run. Without proper sedation, it’s impossible for a vet to examine below the gum line or take dental X‑rays, where problems like tooth root infections and bone loss lurk. Attempting to scale a dog or cat’s teeth while they’re awake is stressful and risky; pets move unexpectedly, increasing the likelihood of injuries.
Sedation allows for a thorough clean, safe extractions and accurate diagnostics. As Gaia Vets explains, anaesthesia lets the vet reach deep areas, take X‑rays to find hidden issues and perform tooth extractions without causing pain or stress. Pre‑anaesthetic blood tests and monitoring make the process safe for most healthy animals. The clinic cautions that choosing a non‑anaesthetic cleaning may improve the appearance of your pet’s teeth but doesn’t address underlying disease, leading to more costly complications later. In fact, Dr Arman Chen notes that pets who skip sedation often return with serious root infections requiring complex surgery.
The hidden costs of neglecting dental care
It’s tempting to delay a dental check when your young dog seems fine. But the real price of postponing care extends far beyond the cost of a clean. When tartar and bacteria aren’t removed, they invade the gum tissue and eventually the bloodstream. This can cause irreversible damage to teeth and jaw bones, leading to extractions, root canals or even jaw fractures. It also strains the heart and other organs.
There are financial consequences too. Consider a $300 anaesthesia‑free clean that fails to remove tartar below the gum line. The remaining bacteria continue to erode the tooth roots, and a year later your pet needs surgery that costs several thousand dollars. That cheap clean suddenly looks very expensive. Worse, if dental disease progresses to systemic illness, treatments for heart, liver or kidney complications can multiply the costs.
Finally, there’s the emotional toll. Watching your pet struggle to eat, drool in pain or lose teeth because an issue wasn’t addressed early is heartbreaking. First‑time pet owners who deeply value their animals’ wellbeing – often tell us that they wish they’d known sooner how important oral health is.
Prevention: your best money‑saving strategy
The good news? Most dental problems are preventable or manageable when caught early. Here are practical steps to protect your pet – and your wallet:
Start brushing early. Establishing a dental care routine while your puppy or kitten is young makes it easier for them to accept brushing as part of life. The Yellow Pages recommends purchasing a canine tooth brushing kit and beginning with a few seconds of brushing, gradually increasing as your pet becomes comfortable.
Use dental chews and toys. Dental treats and chew toys help reduce plaque and tartar while keeping your pet entertained. Some specially shaped kibble can also help break down build‑up.
Schedule regular professional cleanings. Most vets advise annual or semi‑annual cleanings depending on your pet’s age and health. These should be done under sedation to ensure a thorough job. Gaia Vets notes that annual anaesthesia‑based cleaning can prevent expensive complications and repeat visits.
Watch for warning signs. Bad breath, drooling, difficulty chewing, red gums, pawing at the mouth or loose teeth all warrant a vet check. Catching problems early can turn a costly surgery into a routine clean.
Feed a high‑quality diet. A balanced diet supports overall health, including teeth and gums. Your vet can recommend dental diets if your pet needs extra help.
How PetsOnMe supports smart dental care
We know that our Perfect Customers value peace of mind, fairness and human service over shaving a few dollars off their premiums. That’s why PetsOnMe’s Deluxe Plan includes up to $500 of dental illness cover at no additional cost, available after a 180‑day waiting period. Many insurers exclude dental illness entirely or only pay if the problem was caused by an accident. Our Deluxe Plan covers treatment for conditions like gingivitis, tooth fractures and dental disease, so long as they’re not pre‑existing.
Here’s how our approach puts you in control:
Flexible payments: Pay fortnightly, monthly or annually without lock‑in contracts or exit fees. Smaller instalments make it easy to budget for your pet’s healthcare, and paying annually earns a 5 % discount.
Multi‑pet savings: Insure more than one pet on the same policy and enjoy an additional 5 % discount.
Free months for young pets: Receive two months free for pets under one year old and one month free for pets over one year when you start a new policy.
Transparent pricing: Your premium is calculated based on your pet’s age, breed and location.
Fast, human‑centred claims: Most claims are paid the next business day. If you ever need help, our team of real people – not bots – is ready to assist.
Beyond insurance, PetsOnMe encourages preventative care. Our website features guides on pet dental care and general pet insurance that explain why dental health matters, list common problems and offer tips for keeping teeth clean. We also partner with breeders to give new pet owners peace of mind from day one, with no sneaky lock‑ins or hidden fees.
Speaking directly to you
If you’re a first‑time pet owner aged 25–45 who values strong coverage, fast claims and genuine human service, you’re exactly who we built PetsOnMe for. You likely heard about us from a reputable breeder and want to make decisions quickly without worrying whether you’re choosing the “right” plan. Dental care fits into that picture: it’s one of those hidden responsibilities that, if neglected, can create stress and high vet bills. Our mission is to make the “yes” decision easy by offering a plan that covers what matters, lets you pay how you want and supports you with real people who care.
By opting for a policy with dental cover and adopting simple preventative practices, you’ll not only avoid nasty surprises at the vet but also protect your furry friend’s overall health. You’ll have the confidence to give your pup a chew toy knowing that if anything goes wrong, you’re covered. And because PetsOnMe bases premiums on breed and location rather than claims, you’ll never feel punished for using your policy.
The takeaway
Dental disease is far more common and costly than many pet owners realise. Skipping sedation or delaying professional cleanings might seem like a way to save money, but it often leads to larger vet bills and unnecessary pain for your pet. Starting a dental care routine early, scheduling regular check‑ups and choosing a pet insurance plan that includes dental illness cover can save you hundreds, if not thousands, over your pet’s lifetime.
At PetsOnMe, our Deluxe Plan provides the dental coverage and flexibility first‑time pet parents need. Ready to protect your fur‑baby’s smile and your budget? Explore our pet insurance plans and see why so many breeders and new owners trust PetsOnMe. Your pet’s teeth – and their heart, liver and kidneys – will thank you.
