Dental care will give your pet something to smile about. The most helpful thing you can do is to regularly brush your pet's teeth, using a special pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Your vet can show you how to perform the procedure correctly. Introducing your pet, especially an older pet, to oral home care requires patience. Try to make the experience as non-stressful as possible, and reward your pet afterwards. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop periodontal disease by age 3, making it the most common dental condition affecting dogs and cats. Pet owners need to be proactive in preventing periodontal disease in their cats and dogs, and it is never too soon or too late to begin a preventive dental care program. | 
