Cat's tartar and gingivitis – when to seek treatment?

📞 Dental appointment booking: 010 739 9130

📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa

Quick answer: It's advisable to have your cat's tartar and gingivitis checked early. Cats are good at hiding oral pain, and many will eat normally even if they have an infection or tooth resorption.

A cat's oral problems might only manifest as subtle changes. The owner might notice bad breath, drooling, or that the cat is eating more slowly.

When to see a vet?

Contact your vet if any of the following apply:

• Gums are red or bleeding.
• The mouth smells bad.
• The cat is drooling or dropping food.
• The cat is losing weight or withdrawing.
• The cat doesn't allow its mouth to be touched.

What could be causing the symptom?

1. Tartar and gingivitis

Bacterial buildup irritates the gums and can progress deeper into the tissues.

2. Tooth resorption

Cats experience also painful dental resorptive lesions.

3. Tooth Root Changes

Some changes are only visible on dental X-rays.

What can you do at home?

• Monitor eating and behavior.
• Do not assume that a cat that is eating is pain-free.
• Book a dental check-up if there is odor or redness in the mouth.

What is done at the vet?

Dental care for cats is performed under anesthesia, allowing for a thorough examination of the mouth and dental imaging. Tartar is removed, and all necessary dental procedures can be performed during the same dental treatment at Eläinsairaala Sacrum.

Eläinsairaala Sacrum can help

If you are unsure about the severity of a symptom, it's better to contact us than to wait too long. A professional can help assess whether it's an emergency or if an appointment can be scheduled.

📞 Dental appointment booking: 010 739 9130

📍 Eläinsairaala Sacrum, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa