Something you can really sink your (dog's) teeth into.....

Did you know that a toothbrush is just as important to your dog as it is to you?

Oral hygiene is essential to your dog's overall health. Oral disease is very common in pets. In fact, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that, by the age of three, oral disease is present in up to 80 percent of dogs. You can significantly reduce your dog's risk of getting oral disease by establishing a healthy oral-care routine early in your pet's life.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA), a dog's teeth should be brushed daily; but, because this task can be difficult to do each day, most people don't do it that often (if at all). But experts say some form of regular brushing is better than nothing and, brushing at least every other day is enough to prevent the buildup of tarter on your dog's teeth.

Poor oral hygiene can start a domino effect of health problems for your dog. Built up bacteria becomes plaque, which eventually becomes tarter. Periodontal disease is a direct result of bacteria that lives in tarter. It can lead to a variety of problems including tooth loss, pain, gum disease and bad breath. It can also contribute to liver, heart and kidney disease.

Protect your pet from the pain and health risks that come from poor dental hygiene, and save yourself the time and expense of additional vet visits. Brush your dog's teeth regularly. I understand this isn't always easy and it may take your dog some time to get used to this routine. I recommend introducing the toothpaste and toothbrush slowly and rewarding your dog for any progress he makes.

When brushing your dog's teeth, do not use human toothpaste. It can make your dog sick and even poison him. You want to be sure to use a pet-friendly toothpaste and a toothbrush that's sized to fit your dog's mouth.

If you're ready to get your dog into this healthy habit, check out Pet Product Advisor's Kissable Toothpaste & Toothbrush Combo. I've seen how easy this brush can make this routine. The vanilla-flavored toothpaste is tasty, so dogs love it. The three-sided toothbrush is just the right size for your dog's mouth, and it targets the outer, top and inner parts of his teeth all in one stroke. That means you can brush his entire mouth in less than a minute.