Most dogs develop some gum disease after age 3. Untreated periodontal disease is not limited to oral pain; it spreads to the heart, kidneys and liver and shortens lifespan.
Signs of gum disease
- Bad breath
- Yellow-brown tartar
- Red, swollen gums
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Reluctance to eat
- Resistance to facial handling
- Excessive drooling
- Loose or missing teeth
Home prevention
The most effective home method is regular brushing. Use a soft dog toothbrush and enzymatic dog toothpaste (human toothpaste is toxic). Brushing 2-3 times per week is ideal; daily is even better.
Additional aids: dental chews, dental diets (t/d, Dental Care), oral sprays and water additives.
Professional dental cleaning
At the clinic we perform ultrasonic dental scaling under general anaesthesia. This is essential for comfort and to clean below the gum line. The process includes pre-anaesthetic checks, ultrasonic scaling, polishing, extraction of decayed teeth and dental X-rays.
How often is it needed?
Annual assessment is recommended. For regularly brushed dogs, professional cleaning may be needed every 2-3 years; for non-brushed dogs, yearly. Small breeds (Yorkshire, Maltese) often need it more frequently.
For appointments and detailed information: +90 551 892 99 62 or WhatsApp. Altıntaş Veterinary Clinic, serving Antalya, offers corporate-grade health care for cats and dogs.
