If your dog or cat could talk, their mouth might have a lot to say — and most of it wouldn't be good news.

Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed health condition in adult pets. By age three, the majority of dogs and cats have some degree of periodontal disease. By middle age, many are living with significant inflammation, infection, or tooth damage — often without showing obvious signs that anything is wrong.

That's the part that catches most pet owners off guard. Dental disease is quiet. Pets are remarkably good at hiding oral discomfort, which means problems tend to go unnoticed until they're well advanced.