QUINCY, Mass., Aug. 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quincy veterinarian Dr. Meg Connelly from Willard Veterinary Clinic says that most cats and dogs across the country suffer from dental problems that can adversely affect their health. She adds that most pet owners do not even realize how important pet dental care is, but that she and her colleagues are working to change that. In addition to teaching pet owners the tricks needed to train their pets to enjoy a daily teeth brushing, Dr. Connelly provides professional pet teeth cleanings and oral surgery. She explains that pets with healthier teeth can avoid serious illnesses.
Pet dental care is not optional, says Dr. Connelly. "You would never skip brushing your own teeth because you know it leads to cavities and pain and even heart and liver problems. Well, the same goes for pets." She says she regularly teaches pet owners a step-by-step approach to training pets to accept a daily dental hygiene routine at home, and stresses that it is never too late or too early to start. She advises pet owners to stop by their veterinary clinic in Quincy to get the right pet toothbrush, pet toothpaste, and dental hygiene treats for their pets. Dr. Connelly adds that human toothpastes should never be used with pets because they can cause stomach upset.
Dr. Connelly stresses that veterinary care experts recommend professional pet dental care appointments at least once a year. Pet teeth cleaning usually involves an extensive examination under anesthesia, deep cleaning to remove tartar, and polishing to slow future plaque buildup. Some pets also need extra help such as oral surgery, root planing, and tooth extraction.
If left untreated pets can develop advanced dental disease; where harmful bacteria from the mouth can seep into the pets' bloodstream and potentially damage internal organs. While extractions of badly diseased teeth are sometimes necessary, root planing is one way to save more of a pets' teeth. When planing a root, the veterinarian clears away diseased parts of the root and removes diseased gum, cleaning out bacteria-laden pockets and enabling regeneration of healthy gum and root tissue. Willard Veterinary Clinic in Quincy recommends pet owners take pets to clinics or animal hospitals that offer advanced pet dental procedures, if they believe their pets may be suffering from a periodontal pet disease.
Dr. Connelly urges pet owners to take care of their pets' teeth: "Pet dental disease can cause a lot of pain and shorten a pets' life—but consistent dental care at home and in the office can make a pet healthier and happier. It's never too late to start!"
Willard Veterinary Clinic provides preventative pet wellness care and advanced services such as pet dental care, pet surgery and geriatric care. To learn more, visit their website at http://willardvet.com/.