Do you brush your pet's teeth? Does the mere thought of it make you smile, smirk or cringe?

If your dog or cat's dental care falls on your "to do" list somewhere between vacuuming behind the refrigerator and cleaning the garage, you're not alone. The American Animal Hospital Association estimates that two-thirds of pet parents don't provide the dental care that is recommended by their veterinarians. As a result, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.

Experts say this is a deadly mistake, since dental care is so closely linked to overall pet health. Poor dental health can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss, and can affect your pet's liver, heart and lung function as well as shorten your pet's life. On the other hand, the AAHA says good dental care could add as many as five years to your pet's lifespan, so there's no time like the present to start caring for your pet's pearly whites.

Veterinarians recommend regular brushing for all cats and dogs. It's best to start acclimating your pets to brushing while they're young, but with patience, practice and lots of treats and praise, even older pets can learn to like -- or at least tolerate -- brushing. And don't use human toothpaste, as it could make your pet sick. You'll need special feline or canine toothpaste available through your veterinarian or pet supply store.

For information on how to start brushing your pet's teeth, Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine offers a fantastic step-by-step video on how to brush cats' teeth at www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu. And the AAHA offers information on brushing your dog's teeth at www.healthypet.com. San Diego-based Dog Beach Dentistry also offers some helpful tips in the "home care" section of its Web site at www.dogbeachdentistry.com. Of course, you can always ask your veterinarian or your animal-friendly pet trainer for help, too!

Beyond brushing, just as we do, dogs and cats also need regular professional teeth cleanings. To properly clean your pet's teeth and gums, your veterinarian will need to anesthetize your pet. Though cleanings are generally viewed as safe and routine, as with any medical procedure, there is some risk associated, so be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian thoroughly first.

The AAHA recommends annual oral examinations and dental cleanings for all adult dogs and cats, so don't forget to visit your veterinarian at least once a year. In the meantime, brush regularly and check your pet's mouth for broken or chipped teeth. Adult dogs and cats, kittens and puppies can break teeth while chewing on toys, rocks and other hard objects, or by playing vigorously or running into doors, steps and walls. Broken and chipped teeth can lead to painful infections, so even if your pet doesn't seem as if it is bothered by a broken tooth, be sure to take it to your veterinarian to be checked out.

Besides professional cleanings, brushing and checking your pet's mouth regularly, you can take some other steps to help ensure better oral health for your pet. Stay away from soft, gummy or sugary treats that may leave residue on your pet's teeth. Beware of too-hard toys that may chip or break teeth. Give your dog rawhides instead, which will soften as he or she chews. (Do supervise your pet's use of these, as some dogs have been known to swallow them whole.) The fuzzy material on tennis balls can gradually wear down your pet's teeth, so if your dog tends to chew on these, you should find an alternative toy.

Do you have a pet question? Please feel free to e-mail me at the address at the end of this column and I'll try to answer some reader questions in upcoming columns.

Upcoming events:

- Join the city of Oceanside and the North County Humane Society today for the grand opening of the new Oceanside dog park. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park next to the Humane Society at 2905 San Luis Rey Road, Oceanside. Visit www.nchumane.org or call (760) 757-4357.

- Attend the inaugural Animal House Event benefiting Rancho Coastal Humane Society from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 14. Enjoy food, wine, live entertainment, a silent auction and live auction featuring celebrity-designed animal houses created especially for the event. For tickets and information, call (760) 753-6413 or visit www.rchumanesociety.org.

Gigi Bacon Theberge of Carlsbad is mom to two mixed-breed dogs and a new human baby. She has been an animal welfare volunteer and served as director of public relations for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. Contact her at gigibt@gmail.com. Comment at nctimes.com.