LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., June 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trinity Pet Hospital in Laguna Hills, CA is raising awareness about an often overlooked but critical component of veterinary care: annual pet dental exams. The majority of pets aged three and older have periodontal disease, says Laguna Hills veterinarian Dr. Kerolos, but many pet owners fail to recognize the symptoms of this dental issue or take appropriate treatment steps. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to serious bacterial infections affecting not just the gums, but also internal organs should the bacteria enter the blood stream. Trinity Pet Hospital is reminding pet owners that annual dental exams are the best way to keep pets healthy.
Pets need dental care, just like humans, says Laguna Hills veterinarian, Dr. Kerolos.
"The alarming truth is that at least 80 percent of pets aged three years or older suffer from some degree of periodontal disease," said Dr. Kerolos. "Unfortunately, many pet owners do not recognize the warning symptoms for this disease, so it goes untreated. This can lead to additional oral health complications and increase the risk for serious bacterial infections that can damage the internal organs. A simple dental cleaning is the best way to prevent this dangerous outcome."
The Laguna Hills veterinarian recommends an annual dental exam and cleaning for all pets aged three years or older. This is the age at which plaque deposits build up around the gum line and begin leading to periodontal disease. When plaque hardens into tartar, these deposits push away the gum line, creating gaps between the gums and the teeth. These gaps are then vulnerable to bacterial infection.
"While some bacterial infections are contained within the gums, other infections may enter the blood stream and affect internal organs throughout the body," said Dr. Kerolos. "The heart, lungs, kidneys and liver are all at risk. Serious health complications can occur. In some cases, the damage is irreversible. The simple fact is that pro-active dental cleanings could have stopped or prevented much of this damage."
During a pet dental cleaning, veterinarians will scrape away plaque and tartar deposits from the gum line. A pet's teeth are also polished, creating a smooth surface that is more resistant to future plaque build up.
Dr. Kerolos is also urging pet owners to be more alert for the warning symptoms of periodontal disease. These symptoms include unusually bad breath, excessive drooling, swollen and bloody gums, and unexplained tooth loss. Pets may also be reluctant to eat hard foods or play with chew toys.
"Since pets can be masters at hiding the early symptoms of illness, pet owners must be vigilant and watch for any behavioral changes that could indicate an oral health problem," said Dr. Kerolos.
Trinity Pet Hospital provides comprehensive pet care, including exams, vaccinations and pet surgery. For more information, visit http://lagunapetvet.com.