When is it necessary to remove tartar in a dog? Identify the right moment

📞 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:

1. Visible tartar: There is a yellow or brown, hard substance on the surface of the teeth.
2. Gum bleeding: The gums bleed when the dog bites a toy or when you brush your teeth.
3. Breathing: The dog's breath smells unpleasant.
4. 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