NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 21, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Animal Dental Care in Newport Beach, California is warning pet owners about the dangers of gum disease in pets. According to the group of veterinary dental hygienists, approximately three out of every four pets aged three years or older has symptoms of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Animal Dental Care sees first-hand the impact that gum disease has on pets, including tooth loss and bacterial infections. The dental hygienists are raising awareness about the importance of proactive dental care to prevent gum disease in pets.
With three out of four pets showing symptoms of gum disease, the Animal Dental Care team is reaching out to pet owners in order to help stop this growing dental health problem.
"An estimated three out of four pets aged three years or older have symptoms of gum disease," said the Animal Dental Care team. "Our goal is two-fold: raising awareness about this disease and proactively treating pets to help prevent animal gum disease in the first place."
Animal gum disease occurs slowly over time. Since pets cannot brush their own teeth after a meal, food particles and bacteria accumulate along the gum line. These particles harden into plaque and eventually form tartar.
Tartar build up will push away the gums, creating pockets that are susceptible to bacterial infections. Gum disease can also lead to tooth loss, making it painful for pets to eat food and play with toys.
"Since gum disease occurs slowly over time, with proactive dental care, it is possible to prevent this serious health problem," said the Animal Dental Care team. "We recommend that pet owners select an animal hospital with dental services."
The dental hygienists say that a combination of at-home care and regular dental check-ups from an animal hospital with dental services will deliver the best health results for pets.
"At-home pet dental care is the first line of defense against gum disease," says the team. "The next line of defense is professional dental cleaning."
Animal Dental Care provides anesthesia-free dental cleaning services for pets. This approach provides a thorough cleaning above and below the gum line, removing plaque and tartar while also polishing a pet's teeth. Anesthesia-free cleaning is safer for older pets.
"Regular pet dental care is essential to animal health," said the Animal Dental Care team. "However, not all pets can tolerate anesthesia, which means many of the pets who most need dental cleanings do not receive them. With our anesthesia-free services, we are able to effectively clean along the gum line and remove excess plaque and tartar build up. Pets get a thorough cleaning without the need for anesthesia."
Pet owners may learn more about gum disease prevention and anesthesia-free pet dental care by visiting http://www.animaldentalcare.info/.