SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bee Ridge Veterinary Clinic is educating pet owners about the importance of pet dentistry. According to the veterinary care team, annual dental cleanings are an important part of pet wellcare. Just like in humans, pet are susceptible to gum disease, tooth loss and oral bacterial infections. An annual dental cleaning helps prevent the buildup of plaque along the gum line and reduce the risk for oral health problems.
Sarasota veterinarians Dr. Ronni Tudin and Dr. Robin Sego are encouraging pet owners to include dental cleanings as part of their pet's annual animal hospital checkup.
"Oral health is an important indicator of overall body health for pets," said Dr. Tudin. "Poor oral health can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and bacterial infections that may even damage internal organs. An annual dental cleaning should be part of every pet wellness plan."
Poor dental care not only affects a pet's mouth, but it can also lead to other serious health problems. However, it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of pet dental care. Studies from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), nearly two out of every three pet owners do not provide proper pet dental care. This includes dental examinations and regular cleanings.
"We are working with pet owners to raise awareness about the importance of dental care," said Dr. Sego. "All pets can benefit from an annual oral exam and dental cleaning. Regular cleanings help stop plaque buildup before a pet's overall health is compromised."
Periodontal disease begins when bacterial attach to the teeth. Initially, plaque may be soft and easy to brush away. When bacteria die, calcium in the saliva causes the bacteria to calcify onto the teeth, forming a rough substance known as tartar. As plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, these deposits can push away the gums.
A professional cleaning is necessary to stop the progression of plaque buildup before full-blown gum disease occurs. Without intervention, pockets will form under the gum line that are susceptible to bacterial infections. If these infections enter the blood stream, pets are at risk for internal health problems, including kidney damage.
"Pet oral care is important because a little prevention truly goes a long way," said Dr. Tudin. "Cleaning teeth is a small step but prevent big problems, including bacterial infections and kidney damage."
Signs of a dental problem include offensive breath, excessive drooling, cysts beneath the tongue and swollen or bloody gums.
"A pet's breath may not be the best, but if it starts to be particularly offensive, this is the sign of an oral health problem," said Dr. Tudin. "This is a sign that the pet needs an oral checkup at an animal hospital."
Pet owners may learn more about pet dentistry and wellcare at http://beeridgevet.com/.