LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Nov. 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Russell Ridge Animal Hospital in Lawrenceville, GA is educating pet owners about the importance of pet dental care for cats and dogs. Just like in humans, pets can suffer from periodontal disease and gingivitis thanks to plaque buildup along the gum line. Lawrenceville veterinarian Dr. Brad Miller says that annual dental check-ups, along with regular at-home brushing, are the best way to prevent potential oral health problems. During the check-up, the veterinarians scrape away plaque from the gum line and polish the teeth to resist future plaque buildup. Radiography is also available for diagnosing early-stage periodontal disease.
Dogs and cats need annual dental cleanings. That's the message from the Lawrenceville veterinarians at Russell Ridge Animal Hospital. The hospital's veterinarians are working to raise awareness about the importance of pet dental care.
"Pets can develop periodontal disease and other gum and teeth problems," said Dr. Brad Miller. "Oral disease can have serious health implications for pets, causing the loss of teeth and bacterial infections. The best way to prevent these health problems is with an annual dental cleaning."
The veterinary hospital is committed to pet wellness care, offering cleanings and radiography to diagnose early-stage periodontal disease. During a cleaning, the Lawrenceville veterinarian will scrape away plaque from the gum line. Without removal, this plaque could harden, pushing away the gums and forming pockets that are susceptible to bacterial infection.
"Without regular cleanings, pets are at risk for serious bacterial health problems," said Dr. Carrie Cummings. "For example, a bacterial infection that begins in the gums can easily enter the bloodstream, infecting internal organs and causing serious damage. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is by preventing the infection in the first place."
In addition to regular cleanings, the veterinary hospital also recommends that pet owners brush their pets' teeth each week.
"Dental care begins at home," said Dr. Tabitha Tanis. "Pet owners should inspect their pets' mouth each week to check for signs of swollen gums or bleeding. Gums should be pink, rather than red or white. A change in gum coloration, along with bad breath, is a sign of periodontal disease. We recommend an immediate appointment to address this health condition."
The Lawrenceville vets are also reminding pet owners that the type of food consumed affects a pet's overall oral health. Dry foods have a coarse texture, which helps to scrape away plaque from the teeth. The veterinarians do not recommend feeding a pet table scraps because the food is not formulated to meet a pet's nutritional needs and can easily become stuck between teeth or in the gums.
Russell Ridge Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Veterinarians Brad Miller, Carrie Cummings, and Tabitha Tanis provide comprehensive wellness care to the Dacula, Buford and Suwanee pet communities. Their website can be found at: http://www.mygavet-rrah.com.