Your pet’s teeth are likely pretty low on your list of priorities. Did you know that two thirds of pet owners pretty much ignore their pets’ dental health? It’s actually considered the most overlooked area of pet care by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Since February is National Pet’s Dental Health Month, you might want to start taking notice in preserving your canine or feline’s teeth. Here are NUMBER ways to do just that.

Talk to your vet. He or she will be able to best advise you on how to proceed with taking care of your pet’s specific dental needs. Depending on how old your pet is, what conditions he or she may have, his or her temperament and other factors, he or she may need special care. Remember, your pet’s teeth are just as important to him or her as yours are to you! If you’d like to find a vet who offers non-anesthetic teeth cleaning for animals, click here.

Take your pet to the vet if there is a problem. Even if your pet had a dental exam during his or her last visit, if he or she is experiencing any eating or dental problems such as loose teeth, gum bleeding, or any other symptoms, he or she needs to see the vet right away.

Schedule an annual dental exam for your pet. Lucky them—they only need one to our two! Cats should get a teeth cleaning and exam once every year after age one, while dogs need a visit every year following their second year.

Brush your pet’s teeth. If your vet okays it, you can pick out any variety you like from the pet shop. Simply follow the directions on the products. For an easy way to brush your pet’s teeth and other tips, click here.

Buy dentally-friendly pet food. Yes, it does exist! Just like certain gums, apples and other food can help kill germs within our own mouths, so too can specially formulated pet food. To find this type of food, just look for the Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. This will prove that the food is acceptable by standards set by the American Veterinary Dental Society.

Keep harmful objects out of reach of your pets. Don’t let your dog chew on your child’s matchbox cars or other sharp objects that could potentially damage his or her teeth.