How often do you brush your pet's teeth? If you're like most other pet owners, the answer is never. Yet, dental care is a necessary part of caring for your pet's health.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 80% of all dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three. And dental disease means more than just bad breath. It can lead to more serious problems, such as heart, lung, and kidney disease.

Pets get dental disease, too
Just as periodontal disease develops in humans, veterinarians see it develop in progressive stages in our pets. Tartar forms when food remains in the cracks and crevices of the teeth. While canned food tends to stick more easily to the surfaces of the teeth, even dry food will cause problems if the teeth are never cleaned.

Initially the plaque is soft and can be removed by brushing. If plaque hardens into tartar and begins to grow below the gum line, professional cleaning is needed to help manage it. And if the disease progresses further, the tissues surrounding the tooth are killed, the bony socket that holds the tooth in place erodes, and the tooth falls out.

A healthy mouth will have clean, smooth, white teeth surrounded by firm, pink gum tissue. Signs of periodontal disease include yellow/brownish colored teeth; swollen, red, bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; loose teeth or loss of teeth; reluctance to play with chew toys or drink cold water; yellow-brown crust of tartar at gum line or receded gums. Your veterinarian should perform a dental exam along with your pet's routine physical exam to determine the condition of your pet's teeth and gums.

Introducing the brush
The best way to prevent dental disease is with good oral hygiene and that means cleaning your pet's teeth and gums daily. If you've never brushed your pet's teeth, however, it may take some time to help your pet become accustomed to having you clean inside his mouth.

Start slowly and progress gradually and you can teach him to accept the process, says the AAHA. Begin without a toothbrush. Instead, dip your finger into some beef bouillon for your dog, or tuna water for your cat, and gently rub along the gums and teeth. Once your pet is accustomed to this, put gauze over your finger, and rub the teeth and gums in a circular fashion.

The most important area to focus on is the gum line, where bacteria and food mix to form plaque. Keep the early sessions short (the entire process should only take a minute or two) and offer lots of praise and reassurance.

Finally, when you think your pet is ready, switch to a toothbrush specially designed for pet. You may want to use a special dog/cat toothpaste flavored with meat or fish, but never use human toothpaste or baking soda, which will upset your pet's stomach.

If you can't stand the smell of your pet's breath, you may want your pet to have a professional cleaning done so you can start with a fresh mouth. Your pet's groomer or veterinarian can give your pet's teeth a thorough cleaning, making your daily at-home job a little easier.

For more information on your pet's dental health, visit the AAHA website at http://www.healthypet.com.