It's a fact. Many pet owners often ignore the importance of dental care.  According to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), an organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine, an estimated of 85% of traditional pets show signs of oral disease by the age of three.

The doctors in South Bellmore Veterinary Group often discover during physical exams that their pet patients’ have the most common dental disease – periodontal disease. And pet owners never really realize that their pet has this truly alarming oral status.

Here are the signs of the disease:

- Bad breath (halitosis)

- Teeth covered in tartar

- Your pet isn’t comfortable touching his mouth area

- Bleeding and swollen gums

- Loss of appetite and weight

Here are simple steps to maintain your pet’s oral care:

- Get your pet a dental exam. Bring your pet to a vet for routine dental examination of his teeth and gums at least once or twice a year.

- Create an oral regimen at home. Ask your vet for dental tips and routines you can perform at home. Daily tooth brushing should be performed to prevent the accumulation of bacterial deposits.

- Try a dental diet for your pet to control the development of dental disease.

Nowadays, there are dental care products available in pet supply stores and even in veterinary hospitals that can effectively help you in making tooth-brushing an easier work to your pet such as flavored toothpaste, appropriate toothbrushes for pets and antiseptic chews.