RALEIGH, N.C. -- According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, the most frequently diagnosed problem among our pets is oral disease.

 

The experts suggest 80 percent of dogs have problems with their teeth or gums.

 

You brush you teeth everyday, sometimes even twice a day, right? 

 

Well, you should brush your dog's teeth, too.

 

Periodontal disease is a common problem among dogs.

 

Ginger is just waking up from an hour long cleaning. Her doctor, William Krug, leads the dentistry service at North Carolina State University's small animal hospital. He says periodontal disease is particularly common in smaller dogs.

 

Krug said your pet's teeth are smaller and can't clean themselves naturally.

 

Krug's next patient is Bailey the golden retriever. She's in for a tooth extraction.

Bailey fractured her upper right canine so Krug is pulling it out to keep the dog comfortable and healthy.

 

And while under anesthesia, the clinicians will clean bailey's teeth much like we are used to.

 

"Understand your animal has teeth just like you do and without regular care it can be quite uncomfortable," Krug said. "By far and away brushing is the most beneficial thing you can do."

 

But the doctor readily admits brushing your pet's teeth is a lot easier said than done.

 

His advice: start right away with puppies. For older dogs go step-by-step.

 

"Make little advances by handling their mouth. Maybe introduce them to dental toothpaste, let them lick the toothbrush," Krug said.

 

A good home routine may save you a trip to the vet. Bailey's owner drove all the way from Greenville. 

 

"It's nice to know you are going to a top-notch facility with experts that can deal with your animal and the needs that they have," said Sally Finical, Bailey's owner.