OCALA, Fla., Feb. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Town & Country Animal Hospital in Ocala, Florida announced that February is "Pet Dental Care Month" at the veterinary hospital. The veterinarians are using the month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of pet dental care for preventing gum disease and tooth loss. Nearly three out of every four pets aged three or older show symptoms of gum disease, according to the veterinary hospital. The Ocala veterinarians say that in-office dental cleanings, together with regular dental home care is the best way to reduce the risk for oral health problems.
February is "Pet Dental Care Month" at Town & Country Animal Hospital. The Ocala veterinary hospital is raising awareness about the benefits of annual dental cleanings for better oral hygiene in pets.
"Many pet owners do not realize that pets need to have their teeth cleaned periodically just like we do," said Dr. Kelly Culbertson. "Since pets cannot brush their own teeth, bacteria from food particles will build up along the gum line. Over time, this bacteria build up will form a sticky coating known as plaque that can harden into tartar. Tartar deposits can only be removed by a professional cleaning."
Dr. Culbertson stressed that pet dental care is important for more than just preventing unpleasant "doggy breath." Without regular dental cleanings, tartar deposits can push away the gum line and create pockets that are susceptible to bacterial infection. Should these infections enter the bloodstream; the bacteria can damage a pet's internal organs.
"While a dental cleaning may not seem that important, it is actually critical to a pet's long-term health," said Dr. Culbertson. "In addition to reducing the risk for bacterial infections, dental cleanings also prevent common oral health problems, like the loss of teeth in pets and gum disease."
Symptoms of gum disease in pets include bloody or swollen gums, a reluctance to play fetch or play with chew toys, and a preference for soft foods rather than hard foods. Dr. Culbertson also stressed that while a pet's breath may never be minty fresh, pets with gum disease will have breath with an especially foul or unpleasant odor.
"If you suspect that your pet may have gum disease, prompt treatment can make a difference," said Dr. Culbertson. "We never want pets to suffer in silence and be in pain. A dental cleaning can help remove this tartar build up and reduce the risk for a bacterial infection. No matter your pet's age, it is never too late – or too early – for dental care."
The Ocala veterinarian is also encouraging pet owners to brush their pets' teeth on a regular basis at home. The veterinarian offers in-office demonstrations to help pet owners learn correct technique.
Visit http://www.bestocalavet.com to learn more about pet dental care.