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My dog has tartar and red gums. Does his tooth need to be pulled?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 24 lbs

My life TEO (dog) has a app at 5:20 I looked on the net for HOURS couldn't find what i need? TEOS front canine has some tartar on it & some redish on gum above it. i want to know TEOS tooth in that shape would it half to come out? Phoned 3 or 4 vet said make app i thought with many similar cases... they could give me an idea ? Of course i don't want it to come out! internet said prices vary need advice thank You pictures sorry dont no how?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2018

Tartar buildup on a dog’s teeth is very common. The best way to prevent it is by brushing their teeth daily, usually in the evenings after their last meal.

In most cases, unless the pulp cavity (the inner, live part of the tooth) or the crown (the whitish part of the tooth you can see) is damaged there is no need to remove the tooth. With a good dental cleaning (that must be done under general anesthesia) the tartar can be removed and the tooth polished so that the tooth can remain with the dog.

If you are going to have a dental performed on your dog ask the veterinarian about performing dental x-rays. This will help determine the viability of the tooth. Once the x-rays are performed the veterinarian can make a better decision on whether or not the tooth needs to be removed.

If tartar on the tooth is the only issue, there is no discoloration, cracks or fractures, or anything abnormal about the tooth, your dog will likely be able to keep the tooth.

Pricing of dental cleanings very from clinic to clinic. Once you have your initial consultation with your veterinarian they should be able to provide you with an estimate. In the States a typical dental cleaning, depending on the size of dog and the problems present, can be anywhere from $300-$1000.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Best of luck.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2019

    He likely needs to be sedated at your local vet so they can scale his teeth and decide if there are any teeth than need to be pulled. Unfortunately, if you leave the tartar on the teeth for long enough or if a dog has poor dental genetics, they are prone to getting tooth root abscess and loose teeth. These dogs need regular dentals and extraction to keep themselves healthier. If left untreated, the bacteria in the mouth can cause issues to the heart, liver and kidneys long term. I hope this helps to answer your questions. If you have more detailed questions about the process, please write back with those questions. Thank you!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
How to remove dog teeth tartar without a costly vet cleaning?
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Sadly the only way to get that thick tartar off is with an ultrasonic scaler. And dogs do not stay still for this to happen awake. We also do not know the extent of the periodontal disease in dogs awake. Once the tartar is chipped away we can probe the sockets and take X-rays to determine if the roots are diseased or abscessed, which requires extraction. Leaving diseased teeth in the mouth leaves the dog with chronic pain and risk for abscesses popping through the skin. The only thing you can do at home is try to chip the tartar with your nails if Deeva will even allow you to do so. Do not get bit. You can start brushing her teeth to at least prevent further tartar build up but brushing will not remove what is there. Below is a link to the Veterinary Oral Health Council's approved products. You can try some of the products to see if they help. Also Veterinary dentists recommend a MINIMUM of 3 days a week of teeth brushing. Anything less is likely not doing anything. I wish you the best! http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_dogs.html
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Can I remove my dog's tartar at home without a vet dental cleaning?
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Joshie's tartar build up isn't that bad. I think the best thing for you to do if you do not want to anesthetize him to clean the teeth is to be as aggressive as possible to prevent further tartar build up. Some dogs will allow you to try and scrape the tartar off with your nail or the Vet with instruments. But honestly they have to be VERY good as no one wants to get bit. So I would focus on prevention. He should have his teeth brushed at a MINIMUM of 3 days a week. I would put him on Hill's t/d food and take a look at this link from the Veterinary Oral Health Council on accepted products: http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_dogs.html I would try to buy a dog tooth paste but the paste you are making should be fine. I hope this helps and I wish you and Joshie the best!
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My dog's gums are red and teeth loose. Can I treat this at home?
Truly your dog needs to have dental cleaning under anesthesia to evaluate these teeth and clean up all the tartar and around the gumline. Unfortunately most of the time loose teeth need to be removed and it also sounds like your dog could have some gingival recession that needs to be evaluated. I would make an appointment with your vet for an oral exam and most likely they will want you to schedule a dental procedure. Brushing teeth at home is great and will slow buildup of tartar, but it isn't going to fix the problems that Tiger has right now.
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My dog has hard tooth buildup. Is it dangerous? How to remove?
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My dog has bad breath and dark gums. Does she need teeth pulled?
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My dog's gums bleed when brushing his tartar. Should I see a vet?
Hello, congratulations on your new pup. He may indeed require that this tartar be removed with scaling as it may have a thick plaque that is tightly adhere to the enamel and unlikely to come off with brushing. This will also allow your veterinarian to examine Bernie and become acquainted with him. They will then be able to determine if a cleaning procedure is necessary or if he could benefit from dental chews/other hygiene approaches to remove this thick tartar. Hope this helps and best of luck.
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