📞 Appointment to Vantaa: 010 739 9130
Taking care of your dog's teeth is one of the best ways to extend your pet's life. However, many owners think: is tartar removal really necessary if the dog eats normally?
The answer is yes. Dogs are hardy animals that eat despite pain. When a dog finally stops eating because of toothache, the situation is often already catastrophic.
The right timing is 'too early'
The best time to remove tartar is when gingivitis is just beginning.
- Stage 1 (Gingivitis): The gums redden slightly, and there is plaque on the teeth. The cleaning done at this stage returns the mouth to a completely healthy state.
- Stage 2-4 (Periodontitis): Gum pockets deepen, bone loss begins, and teeth begin to wiggle. The lesions are permanent, and the treatment often involves the removal of teeth.
Signs You Know It's Time to Make an Appointment
You do not need to be a veterinarian to assess the situation. Book an appointment at the Veterinary Hospital Sacrum if:
- Visible tartar: There is a yellow or brown, hard substance on the surface of the teeth.
- Gum bleeding: The gums bleed when the dog bites a toy or when you brush your teeth.
- Breathing: The dog's breath smells unpleasant.
- Drooling or scratching your mouth: Signs of pain or discomfort.
Regularity saves money
Regular “maintenance cleaning” (approximately every 1—1.5 years) is more economical for the owner and lighter for the dog than having to remove several rotten teeth every 5 years in a long operation.
Teeth cleaning is an investment in the health of a dog's heart, liver and kidneys — namely stomatitis spreads bacteria through the bloodstream throughout the body.
📞 Book dental treatment for your dog: 010 739 9130
Does your cat have tartar, red gums, or bad breath? Read when dental care is necessary and why a cat's oral pain can go unnoticed.
Does dog anesthesia scare you? Read how we ensure the safety of anaesthesia in Vantaa (monitoring, intubation) and why dental treatment is not possible while awake.
Cat scratches his ears? Unlike in dogs, ear infection in cats is rare and is often caused by ear mites or polyps. Read the symptoms and treatment instructions.
Does the dog pee blood? Bloody urination is always a reason to go to the vet. Read on for the most common causes: urinary tract infection, urinary stones or prostate problems.
Is your dog coughing at night or at rest? Read about when a cough might indicate a heart condition and when a cardiac ultrasound is recommended.
Is your cat easily tired, unwilling to play, or out of breath? Read on to find out when these symptoms might indicate heart disease or another condition requiring examination.
