Dental disease is one of the most common and most overlooked health problems in dogs. The British Veterinary Dental Association estimates that 80% of dogs over 3 years old have some form of periodontal disease. Left untreated, it causes pain, tooth loss, and can lead to heart, kidney, and liver problems. Here is what dental care costs in the UK and how to reduce your bills.

Signs of Dental Disease

Dogs rarely show obvious signs of dental pain until disease is advanced. Watch for:

  • Bad breath (the most common sign — and NOT normal)
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Yellow or brown tartar build-up on teeth
  • Dropping food or chewing on one side
  • Reluctance to eat hard food or chew toys
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Facial swelling (suggests a tooth root abscess)

Professional Dental Treatment

A professional dental procedure in dogs requires general anaesthetic — there is no equivalent of a human dental visit where the patient sits still. A typical dental includes:

  • General anaesthetic and monitoring
  • Full oral examination (including dental X-rays at some practices)
  • Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar above and below the gum line
  • Polishing
  • Extractions if needed

Costs:

  • Scale and polish only: £200–£450
  • Dental X-rays: £50–£150 extra (not all practices include this, but it is considered best practice)
  • Extractions: £50–£150 per tooth, depending on complexity
  • Pre-anaesthetic blood test (recommended for over 7s): £60–£120
  • Total for a dental with multiple extractions: £400–£900+

The CMA found significant price variation for dental procedures between practices. A dental scale and polish can vary by 50% or more between the cheapest and most expensive practices in the same area.

Why Dental X-Rays Matter

Over 60% of dental disease in dogs is below the gum line and invisible on visual examination alone. Dental X-rays reveal root abscesses, bone loss, and hidden broken teeth. Practices that routinely take dental X-rays provide a higher standard of care — though this does add to the cost.

Ask your vet whether dental X-rays are included in their dental procedure. If not, consider whether the additional cost (typically £50–£150) is worthwhile, particularly for older dogs or those with visible dental problems.

Prevention

Prevention is far cheaper than treatment. The most effective approaches:

  • Daily tooth brushing: The gold standard. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Cost: £5–£10 for brush and paste lasting several months.
  • Dental chews: VOHC-accepted products (look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal) include Greenies, OraVet, and Veggiedent. Cost: £10–£20/month.
  • Dental diets: Hills t/d and Royal Canin Dental are clinically proven. Cost: £30–£60/month (replacing standard food).
  • Water additives: Some evidence of benefit for reducing plaque. Cost: £5–£10/month.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Work

Most pet insurance policies cover dental treatment caused by illness or accident but NOT routine dental cleaning. If your dog develops dental disease (periodontal disease, tooth root abscess), treatment may be covered under your illness benefit. Check your policy wording — some policies exclude dental treatment entirely, and others only cover it if you can demonstrate regular dental care.

Lifetime Dental Costs

A dog with good dental care may need one or two professional dentals in their lifetime: £400–£900 total. A dog with poor dental health may need a dental every 1–2 years from age 5 onwards: £2,000–£5,000+ over their lifetime. Investing 2 minutes a day in tooth brushing is the cheapest veterinary intervention available.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: British Veterinary Dental Association, CMA veterinary market investigation, VetCost pricing data.