SAN DIEGO, March 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Balboa veterinarian Dr. Juan Pablo Romero is on a mission to educate pet owners about the importance of pet dental care. According to Dr. Romero, regular pet dental cleanings are just as critical as vaccinations and wellness exams to a pet's well-being. Unfortunately, Dr. Romero says many pet owners do not realize that pet dental cleanings are so important. Dr. Romero is teaming up with fellow Balboa veterinarian Dr. Miranda Alexander to educate pet owners about the importance of at-home tooth brushing and yearly dental exams for pets
Balboa Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA is raising awareness about the dangers of oral health problems in pets and the importance of pet dental care to prevent these problems.
"The majority of pets aged four years or older suffer from periodontal disease," said Balboa veterinarian Dr. Juan Pablo Romero. "However, many pet owners have no idea that their pets are sick. We're working to change this."
Periodontal disease occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line. These deposits happen naturally after every meal. Brushing a pet's teeth is the best way to prevent these plaque deposits from hardening into tartar. Once tartar forms, a professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove these deposits.
According to Dr. Romero, tartar formation can push away the gum line. This creates pockets that are susceptible to bacterial infection and disease.
"Periodontal disease is a serious problem that can ultimately lead to bacterial infections," said Dr. Romero. "If bacteria from these infections enter a pet's blood stream, the bacteria can travel to internal organs and damage the heart, kidney, liver and lungs. If the infection is not caught early, death may even result."
Warning signs of periodontal disease include bad breath, loose or missing teeth, decreased appetite, swollen and bleeding gums, and excessive drooling.
"Many pet owners dismiss a pet's bad breath as a nuisance and don't take it seriously," said Dr. Miranda Alexander. "A pet's unusually bad breath may be symptomatic of an untreated oral health problem. If bad breath occurs with swollen or bleeding gums, pets may already have advanced-stage periodontal disease. Prompt treatment is absolutely essential to preventing a serious bacterial infection."
Cleaning dog's teeth at a veterinary hospital helps to prevent bacterial infections and gum disease. During a professional dental cleaning, a veterinarian will first scale the teeth using ultrasonic equipment to remove tartar build up. Next, a vet will polish the teeth to create a smooth surface that is resistant to future bacterial build up. A fluoride treatment will then coat the teeth, decreasing tooth sensitivity, strengthening the enamel and decreasing the rate of future plaque buildup.
To schedule a dental cleaning at the veterinary hospital, pet owners can make an appointment via the website at http://mybalboavet.com.