Dental health: Pet owners spending more on medical care than prevention, VPI reports

Brea, Calif.

-- Pet owners spend far more on fixing dental conditions than on preventive dental care, according to new data from Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI).

VPI policyholders spend more than $4.6 million in 2010 on fixing dental conditions, compared to $1.9 million for preventative care, the company reports. Dental conditions are the 10th most common type of claim submitted, the company adds.

Average teeth cleaning claims in 2010 were $180, while treating dental conditions cost closer to $233 on average. The most claims for dental problems in 2010 were caused by periodontal disease. Abscesses, at an average cost of $220 to treat, came in as the second most common dental problem, the company reports.