In case you missed it, February was National Pet Dental Health Month. That may not sound serious to you. But a University of Georgia veterinarian says it is if you care for your pets.

"Your pet's mouth is critical to its overall health care," said Jim Strickland, an Extension Service veterinarian with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "If your pet's mouth isn't healthy, your pet isn't healthy."

Veterinarians have cleaned and extracted pets' teeth for years. "But now we're promoting preventive dental care more," Strickland said. "We're trying to make pet owners' more aware of the importance of regular dental care for their pets."

Don't write off your dog's bad breath as just being a dog, he said. It's often a sign of a growing health problem.

"A dog's mouth, especially, is susceptible to bacterial buildup," Strickland said. "That can not only lead to oral problems but increases the risk of heart, liver and kidney disease, too."

When bacteria build on a pet's teeth, he said, plaque and tartar form. Without proper oral care, this plaque and tartar may lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.

"Studies show that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three," he said. "Oral disease is the most often-diagnosed health problem for pets. It isn't like heartworms, but it can certainly shorten the pet's life."

National Pet Dental Health Month is a promotion of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Dental Society and Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

The AVDS recommends a three-step program to help pet owners keep their pets' mouths bacteria-free and healthier.

* Take your pet to the vet for a dental exam. Your pet's veterinarian is also its dentist. As part of its annual exam, your pet will receive a dental check. If plaque and tartar build-up are a problem, the vet will probably recommend a dental cleaning.

* Start a home dental care routine. Your pet's vet will suggest steps you can take at home to help keep your pet's teeth clean. This could include regular brushing and a special pet food with dental benefits.

* Get regular veterinary checkups. Follow-up is important. Plaque continues to build up on your pet's teeth every day. Some pets, such as small dogs, tend to accumulate plaque and tartar quicker than others. Tooth brushing and regular dental cleanings are especially important for these pets.

When it comes to brushing pets' teeth, Strickland said, it's best to start the pet early. But most dogs and cats can learn to tolerate brushing. Start by rubbing the pet's mouth with beef broth for dogs or tuna water for cats.

Gradually work up to using a toothbrush or finger brush with a special pet toothpaste. Pet-friendly flavors include beef, poultry and malt. Never use toothpaste for people, Strickland said. It could upset your pet's digestive system.

Protect your pets' teeth, too, by feeding them only pet food, he said. Table scraps can increase plaque and tartar buildup, and bones can injure the pet's mouth and teeth.

A special pet food and several pet snacks can help clean your pet's teeth as it chews, he said. Ask your vet if such a food is appropriate as a daily diet. If not, consider using one as a treat.

Finally, be careful about chew toys, Strickland said. Chewing on hard objects is the most common way dogs and cats break teeth. If your pet is biting down hard on a hard chew toy, consider a softer object.