SOUTH east London vet group Parkvets are urging you to take advantage of their Breath Busters campaign.

The campaign runs throughout September, during which time all pets can get their teeth checked out free of charge.

The group hope to encourage more pet owners to be aware of dental disease, check their pet's teeth and take corrective action where appropriate.

Parkvets pet dentist Dave Nicol said: "It's shocking to think that in this day and age over 85 per cent of our pets still have this problem.

"The problem is many pets suffer in silence, symptoms can be very subtle and it isn't until very advanced disease is present that problems become more obvious."

The first sign of trouble is bad breath, if left unchecked this rapidly progresses to tooth decay and on occasions much more serious complications, even death.

Affected teeth decay over years, resulting in chronic pain and a permanent assault on the immune system.

In more serious cases this can even result in fatal infections of the heart, kidneys and liver.

According to Mr Nicol, the solution is simple: "Pet owners still laugh when I tell them to brush their pet's teeth, but this is the best way to prevent problems."

Parkvets invite all pet owners in the area to visit the clinic during September for a free dental check-up.

There are surgeries in Bexley, Belvedere, Eltham, Footscray, Longfield, Mottingham and Swanley.