No one would go a couple of days without brushing their teeth, should pets be any different? Pets have teeth too and that means they can develop gum infections and problems with their teeth. The fact is that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal (tooth and gum) disease. The best way to prevent periodontal disease in your pet is through regular teeth brushing and frequent visits to your veterinarian (www.avma.org).