LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Periodontal disease is the most common health condition experienced by dogs and cats. Century Veterinary Group is hoping to promote the importance of caring for pets’ oral and dental health change that by participating in National Pet Dental Health Month, which takes place throughout the month of February. In honor of the national awareness campaign, the clinic is offering a 20% discount on all dental procedures throughout the month. "Unlike people, pets can't tell you when they are hurting," said Dr. Jeff Werber. "By the time their owners notice their pain, they have been suffering for a long time," he added. "We hope that by offering this discount and by promoting National Pet Dental Health Month, we'll encourage more pet owners to be proactive about their cats' and dogs' oral health."
Dogs and cats do not develop cavities as often as we do, but they can quickly develop other serious dental and oral problems when their teeth aren't cleaned on a regular basis, including home tooth brushings and annual examinations and cleanings by a licensed veterinarian. During such exams, veterinarians routinely find symptoms of periodontal disease, impacted teeth, chipped or cracked teeth and stomatitis, a condition in which an infection or inflammation in the mouth goes untreated for so long that antibodies in a pet's body start attacking the teeth and gums causing severe pain and irritation. As a result, the pet starts losing its teeth — often in rapid succession.
Pet owners are advised to brush their pets' teeth on a regular basis and to ensure that their pets are receiving a healthy, balanced diet. Certain treats are also designed to ward off tartar and plaque buildup, but none of these steps can take the place of annual exams and cleanings. "Just like with people, brushing only does so much," said Dr. Werber. During their annual dental visit, a pet is given general or twilight anesthesia to keep them safe and comfortable throughout the procedure. A thorough oral examination is performed, during which the veterinarian and their technicians look for things like loose or broken teeth; discolored teeth; abscesses; impacted teeth; and signs of periodontal disease. The pet's teeth are then given a thorough cleaning, which includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth and below the gum-line.
Poor oral and dental hygiene doesn't just affect a pet's mouth and teeth. In its advanced stages, periodontal disease can cause changes to the liver, kidneys and heart muscles. "A pet with poor dental hygiene isn't just at risk of losing its teeth," added Dr. Werber. "They can suffer many other serious health problems as a result."
Century Veterinary Group is located in Los Angeles. Local pet owners are encouraged to come in and take advantage of the 20% discount that's being offered through the month of February. Appointments can be scheduled at (310) 559-2500.