With a view to encourage dental as important for pets, the Willingboro Veterinary Clinic on Sidney Lane is using pet dental health month in February.

"If teeth become filled with plaque, (pets) can get periodontal disease," veterinary technician Vicki McGonigal said. That can lead to kidney, heart, liver and other health problems. Also, in conglomeration with various dental associations and schools across the state, the Jersey City Medical Centre is initiating with a free dental care to children ages 12 and under Friday.

In accordance to Rotunda, more than 100 children are expected to come during Give Kids a Smile Day. Between the Jersey City Medical Centre dentists and volunteers, more than a dozen dental practitioners are hoped to participate.

Signs of periodontal disease result in thick, gray and black tarter on teeth and bad breath. If signs are evident, pets should be brought in for an exam. Antibiotics will be administered when necessary or teeth will be removed, McGonigal said.

In addition, poor dental health can also result pain and hamper eating habits.

The recent figures reveal that oral disease is the major health problem afflicting pets and 65 percent of dogs with first-stage periodontal disease often go untreated.