Dear Uncle Matty: I received a mailer the other day from my dog's veterinarian. "Dog," as we call her, has only been to the vet a couple of times for shots, and she is 5 years old. She is a very healthy dog. The mailer is offering a special on teeth cleaning for dogs and cats. Is this something that is really necessary? I never heard of it before. —A.S., Minneapolis

Dear A.S.: February was National Pet Dental Month, and you should seriously take advantage of this service. There is a study released by the American Veterinary Dental Society that lists oral disease as the No. 1 health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats. Periodontal disease affects about 80 percent of dogs over the age of 3, and "Dog" is already 5 years old.

Are there any risks involved in ignoring dental care for dogs and cats? You bet there are! The results can include painful oral infections, tooth loss, potential spread of infection to other vital body organs, and other more serious problems in the mouth such as pathologic jaw fracture. And your dog isn't going to walk up to you and say, "My tooth aches!"

While professional dental checkups and cleaning are essential, you should also help maintain good dental health at home with daily brushing of your pet's teeth. There are also chew toys and other items designed to help maintain healthy gums and teeth. Hartz, a manufacturer of pet products, has a Dental Tooth Scrubber Dog Toy, and the company says it has been shown to reduce plaque and tartar. Chew-clean, by the Kong Co., is a toy that features special grooves to effectively squeegee-clean dogs' teeth and gums as they chew. Doggy toothpaste can be used inside the grooves — recommended for cleaner teeth and fresher breath.

Toothpaste? Yes. And pet toothpaste comes in flavors that appeal to dogs and cats. (Beef for canines and fish for felines, no doubt.) They are designed to be swallowed. Dr. Daniel Carmichael, veterinary dental specialist with the Center for Veterinary Care in Westbury, N.Y., emphasizes that you should brush your pet's teeth once a day using a pet toothbrush and special pet toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup.

If your dog has bad breath, then you may appreciate Hartz dental breath strips — as long as you keep in mind that bad doggy breath can also be an indication of a dental problem. Check your pet for bleeding or irritated gums, tartar buildup or oral pain, and seek veterinary assistance right away if you notice any problems.