LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, CA is raising awareness about the dangers of poor oral health in pets. Periodontal disease in pets occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line, creating exposed pockets that can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and bacterial infections. Many pets also suffer from impacted, cracked or chipped teeth. The veterinarians at Century Veterinary Group recommend annual dental exams and cleanings to protect pets' oral health. Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber recommends that pets receive an annual dental cleaning and oral exam to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and stomatitis.
"The majority of dogs and cats aged three years and older suffer from periodontal disease," said Dr. Werber. "A lack of proper dental care can ultimately lead to serious bacterial infections. These infections may also cause a health condition known as stomatitis, which causes pets to lose their teeth."
Stomatitis occurs when an animal's antibodies are fighting a bacterial infection in the mouth. In an effort to fight off the infection, the antibodies may attack the pet's own teeth. Without proper treatment, stomatitis can cause pets to lose their teeth, which affects their ability to eat and defend themselves.
Dr. Werber is working to educate pet owners about the importance of proper oral care and regularly cleaning dogs' teeth to prevent stomatitis. "Regular brushing and annual exams are an effective and affordable way to prevent periodontal disease and stomatitis," said Dr. Werber. "Our vet care team can also help pets with chipped or cracked teeth. Ignoring a chipped or cracked tooth puts pets at risk for bacterial infections and other health complications."
According to Dr. Werber, bacteria will build up along a pet's gum line following a meal. Since pets are unable to brush their own teeth, this bacteria remains in place. It will eventually harden, forming tartar and plaque. Plaque deposits can push the gum line away from the teeth, creating pockets that are susceptible to bacterial infection. A chip or crack in a tooth also creates space for a potential infection.
Dr. Werber recommends that pet owners brush their pets' teeth once a week to help stop the buildup of tartar along the gum line. An annual dental cleaning will remove plaque and polish the teeth, making them more resistant to future plaque deposits. "Cleaning dogs' teeth is an important part of comprehensive pet wellness care," said Dr. Werber.
The Santa Monica veterinarian also performs tooth extractions to remove impacted teeth. The animal hospital offers exams for young pets at aged three, six and twelve months to identify and correct impacted teeth.
Century Veterinary Clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. The vet clinic has served the Santa Monica and Hollywood pet community for 27 years, providing wellness care, pet dermatology, grooming, vaccinations and ophthalmology.