BAD BREATH AND DENTAL DISEASE
Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is a common problem faced by dog owners.
Tooth and gum disease is probably the most common cause of bad breath in dogs and cats. These conditions can affect both young and old animals, and certain breeds seem to suffer more, such as toy breeds like the Shih tzu, and the Maltese. Sometimes there can be also be an underlying disease such as kidney problems, hormonal problems or viruses and other infections, and these should be investigated by your vet.
Dental disease occurs when tartar forms on the tooth, infection builds up in the surrounding gums and tooth socket, and the tooth becomes loose and painful. Many dogs have chronic long standing infections in their mouths due to untreated dental disease, which is unpleasant and can spread elsewhere in the body. In the wild, the teeth are continually being scraped free of tartar (like a toothbrush) when the dog tears and chews animal skin and bones.
It is an important part of your dog’s care to look in his mouth regularly.

SIGNS OF DENTAL DISEASE
- bad breath
- difficulty or pain when eating food
- salivation
- swollen, red or bleeding gums, and ulcers
- brown tartar on the teeth, and loose teeth
- pain if you try to open his mouth
- he may paw at his mouth
- he may go off his food, or only eat soft food
- if an infection of a tooth root occurs there may be swelling around the cheek or below the eye.

TREATMENT
Consult your vet. He will probably recommend a dental scale and clean up under a general anaesthetic. There may be teeth that require extraction because they are very infected or loose, but these can be difficult to see until the tartar is removed. The dog will probably be given a course of antibiotics. After the dental treatment, the dog will be much happier (he has been suffering from a long standing infection) and will eat better.

PREVENTION
To reduce the chances of tooth and gum disease, there are several options
- encourage chewing by feeding rawhide chews and dry dog food. There are also dental toys available.
- daily toothbrushing using special brushes and toothpaste designed (and flavoured) for dogs. It is ideal to start this at an early age so the dog is used to it, as they are often reluctant to let you do it when they are older and may have existing gum problems
- there are diets specifically designed to reduce the chance of dental disease
- there are medicated washes or gels available for your dog’s mouth
- in certain cases, especially miniature breed dogs, regular teeth cleaning by the vet (every 3-6 months) may be the only answer as they are unwilling to eat hard food, chew, or have their teeth cleaned, and are more prone to developing dental disease
- it is not recommended to feed real bones, as these can crack and cause injury, either to the mouth or internally if swallowed

MOUTH PAIN
Some dogs and cats develop mouth pain that is not related to tooth and gum disease. These animals may be suffering from muscle or bone conditions which can prevent them from opening their mouths. Consult your vet if your dog has difficulty or pain opening his mouth.

FOREIGN BODIES
Bones or sticks can get caught anywhere in the mouth, at the back of the throat or in the oesophagus (gullet). The dog will have bad breath, and may be gagging, drooling or pawing at his mouth. If you suspect this, or cannot remove the item, see your vet immediately, as this can develop into a serious condition.

CANCER OF THE MOUTH
10% of all tumours occur in the mouth. The dog may have bad breath, bleeding from the mouth, salivating or pain. There are several types of mouth cancer, and many of them will spread and are therefore very difficult to treat. Your vet will probably want to take a biopsy to find out what the type of cancer is, before discussing the treatment options.

Regular mouth examinations by you and your vet, and prompt treatment, can prevent damage and discomfort to the mouth, and keep the dog happy and healthy.

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