The mouth is a mirror that reflects the health of the rest of the body, and for good oral hygiene, the American Dental Association recommends adults brush twice a day. Researchers have found that periodontitis is linked to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacteria pneumonia.* Many pet owners don't realize the role they take in maintaining good oral health should also be applied to their canine and feline companions, and effective plaque control can prevent a large percentage of pet periodontitis cases.

Topeka, Kan. - PRNewswire - infoZine - To help pet owners and their veterinary health care teams, Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., maker of Prescription Diet(R) and Science Diet(R) brand pet foods, is sponsoring the 13th annual "Pets Need Dental Care, Too(TM)" campaign, part of National Pet Dental Health Month. National Pet Dental Health Month is celebrated each February to educate pet owners and veterinary health care team members on the importance of routine pet dental check-ups and home care maintenance options. These options include frequent brushing, routinely checking a pet's teeth and gums, and feeding specialized daily nutrition like Hill's(R) Prescription Diet(R) t/d(R) Canine and Feline pet foods.

"Dental disease is the number one diagnosed disease in our patients. When pet owners begin the road to proper oral health care, dental problems can be identified and corrected, making life healthier for the pet and happier for the pet owner," says Brook Niemiec, D.V.M., DAVDC, FAVD, at Dog Beach Dentistry in San Diego, Calif.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), it is estimated that more than 80 percent of dogs and cats over the age of four show signs of oral disease, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth and depression. If inflammation of the gum is left untreated, the bone around the roots of teeth can begin to deteriorate, and as the bone tissue is destroyed, teeth may become loose or fall out. Eventually, the infection can cause receding gums and tooth loss and may enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver and kidneys.

"Oral care is all about in-clinic treatment coupled with pet owners taking an active role to provide daily oral hygiene for their pets at home," said Patricia Dominguez, LVT at Shaker Veterinary Hospital, P.C. in Latham, N.Y. "We take care of our health. We take care of our cars. It is imperative we take the time to give the same care to our pet's oral health."

National Pet Dental Health Month is made possible by a partnership between the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVDS, the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, the American Veterinary Dental College, Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.

Every visit to your veterinarian should include dialogue regarding your pet's dental health. For more information on proper pet dental care, contact your veterinarian and visit PetDental.com.

*Healthy mouth, healthy body. Journal American Dental Association, April 2006;137:563.