Although we perceive “dog breath” to be normal, the odor may actually be a sign of illness.
Bad breath in dogs is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that releases foul-smelling compounds that can damage the gums. As gingivitis progresses, the gums become inflamed and can eventually lead to periodontal disease.
Fortunately, gingivitis is preventable and reversible.
Dental disease is a serious problem for pets and is the leading cause of illness in our furry friends.
The best way to prevent dental disease is to have your pet’s teeth regularly cleaned and examined by a veterinarian. This cleaning will remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, treat gingivitis, and improve your dog’s breathing.
Let’s take a look at how much it costs to clean your dog’s teeth and why cleaning your dog’s teeth is so important.
How much does a dog’s teeth cleaning cost?
The cost of cleaning your dog’s teeth varies across the United States.
Factors Affecting Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost
The cost of cleaning your dog’s teeth depends on several factors, including:
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Services provided (e.g. If your dog’s teeth are removed, cleaning costs will increase).
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Who will provide the service (veterinarian or animal dentist).
Both general practice veterinarians and board-certified veterinarians can provide appropriate dental care for your pup.
Member of Veterinary Dentist American College of Veterinary Dentistry—Veterinarians with full-time training and multiple years of training in:
This allows the veterinary dentist to provide the best care for your dog.
A dog teeth cleaning with extraction performed by a general practitioner can cost as much as $1,500. Prices may vary depending on advanced training, expertise, and treatment equipment.
A typical test that involves x-rays and cleaning can cost up to $2,000 to $3,000.
The price of your dog’s teeth cleaning will increase if:
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Nerve blocks (local anesthetics or numbing agents administered to various locations in the mouth to prevent or block pain and facilitate tooth extraction)
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extraction
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painkillers
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Advanced image processing such as CT
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Root canal (a procedure in which the internal contents of the tooth (nerves, blood vessels, etc.) are removed and replaced with dental material so that the tooth can be saved without being extracted)
You may be able to find or be referred to a veterinary dentist if your dog:
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have an underlying health problem
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I need a root canal
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Removal of cancer required
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Have a less common disease (dental cyst, retained tooth root, jaw fracture)
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When advanced anesthesia is required
What does the cost of cleaning my dog’s teeth include?
The cost of cleaning your dog’s teeth usually includes:
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anesthesia: Your dog will be safely anesthetized using sedation, and a tracheal breathing tube will be placed.
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Anesthesia is the safest way to keep water out of your airways, but it is not. It reduces stress and pain and allows for a complete examination and treatment.
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Oral exam: A tooth-by-teeth exam will be performed, including measurements of your gum pockets to determine your periodontal health. Check for broken teeth, cavities, or loose teeth. An oral exam will be performed to evaluate the soft tissues of the mouth (the tongue, roof of the mouth, and back of the throat for ulcers or masses).
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Scaling and polishing: Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surface.
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Dental radiograph: Dental x-rays show the root of the tooth, the bone and tissue around the root, the pulp canal inside the tooth, and the jawbone.
It is a best practice to always recommend dental x-rays taken at every dental cleaning to evaluate the entire tooth. Dental X-rays should always be taken before and after tooth extraction.
However, it is necessary to fully evaluate your teeth, as you can show your veterinarian the following evidence:
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bone loss
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dead teeth
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oral cancer
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infectious disease
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cyst
Standard treatment is to take X-rays before and after tooth extraction. The time required for anesthesia is insignificant compared to the benefits it provides.
There is an additional charge for cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Before administering anesthesia, your veterinarian will: Your pet’s blood panel will be tested to assess internal organ function, red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts.
This blood test may or may not be included in your dental cleaning and costs between $75 and $200.
If a tooth is too diseased to be saved and is causing inflammation or discomfort to your pet, it will be removed for an additional fee ($500 to $2,500 per tooth).
The additional cost of a tooth extraction depends on the size of the tooth, the type of extraction required, the number of teeth that need to be removed, and the time required for the surgery.
What is not included in the cost of my dog’s teeth cleaning?
Talk to your veterinarian about what is and isn’t included in the cost of your dog’s teeth cleaning.
Some hospitals offer plans that cover teeth cleanings, but only the cleaning and anesthesia itself are covered. Additional charges may apply for tooth extractions, x-rays, pain medications, antibiotics, etc.
Other hospitals may charge a lump sum fee for each tooth cleaning, which includes cleaning, anesthesia, x-rays, extractions, etc., if necessary.
Does pet insurance cover the cost of cleaning your dog’s teeth?
Not all pet insurance policies cover dental costs.
If your pet was diagnosed with a dental condition before taking out your insurance, surgery may be excluded as a pre-existing condition.
Root canals and tooth extractions also vary depending on the policy.
Most insurance policies will not reimburse the pet parent until the dental procedure is completed, so be sure to check your insurance coverage before scheduling a dental procedure.
Is cleaning a dog’s teeth worth it?
yes!
Left untreated, dental disease can have devastating consequences, including systemic disease.
Dental disease is a serious problem for pets and is the leading cause of illness in our furry friends. in fact, In a survey conducted in 2023,73% of dogs and 64% of cats were diagnosed with dental-related diseases.
Teeth cleaning procedures can not only prevent the occurrence of these diseases, but also limit them. And sometimes, it can reverse that progression and improve quality of life.
How often do you need to clean your dog’s teeth?
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) We recommend your dog’s first dental cleaning between the ages of 1-2 years for small and medium-sized dogs and 2-3 years for large dogs.
Small dogs require annual cleaning.
Dogs have small mouths that are crowded, making them susceptible to gingivitis and dental disease (dogs have 42 teeth in their small mouths).
Brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers) are also susceptible to more advanced forms of the disease due to abnormal bites and crowded teeth.
For large dogs, the time between cleanings can typically be 1 1/2 to 2 years. However, the inside of your dog’s mouth should be examined during your annual checkup.
Signs that your dog needs professional cleaning include:
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bad breath
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Bleeding, redness, and swelling of the gums
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Difficulty grasping food or decreased appetite
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drop food while eating
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loose teeth
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My teeth are chattering
How to save money on cleaning your dog’s teeth
Let’s take a look at some tips on how to save on your dog’s teeth cleaning and prevent future puppy teeth problems.
1. Plan your cleaning early
Starting your puppy’s teeth cleaning when they are young is a long-term investment both financially and in their oral health.
In the long run, it is safer (and cheaper) to have multiple dental cleanings than to perform expensive procedures on older animals that require more extensive treatment.
When your pet’s due date approaches, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for an annual checkup.
If you have your pet blood tested once a year, try to time the dental procedure in the same month to avoid additional blood test costs.
2. Start preventive care at home
By brushing your dog’s teeth, you can extend the time between cleanings (and save money!). If your dog can’t tolerate toothbrushes, there are options such as dental food, chews, sprays, and water additives to help keep teeth clean and healthy.
3. Find the right pet insurance plan
Some veterinarians offer discounts during Pet Dental Health Month in February or include cleanings in their annual wellness plans. Your veterinarian may also have third-party financing options available to you.
4. It will never be anesthesia-free.
Anesthetized or “awake” dental cleanings do not treat dental disease and are not safe for pets.
It may be cheap, but it cannot remove plaque and tartar below the gum line, cannot treat disease, and is stressful for your pet.
AAHA and AVDC do not recommend or approve these procedures. The short-term appeal of lower rates will hurt you and your pet in the long run.
Dividing the mouth into quadrants (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right) will help you form an easy-to-remember routine while focusing only on the outer surfaces of your dog’s teeth.
