Does your dog have bad breath? This may be a sign of dental disease. All pets have a distinct odor to their breath, affected by what they eat. This should not be a foul or offensive odor, though. If it is, there may be some underlying dental disease acting as the culprit. Look at your pet's mouth. If you see a yellow, orange, or brownish material stuck to the surface of the teeth, you are most likely looking at tartar. If the gums are red along the edge of the tooth, this is a symptom of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
Visible tartar on the surface of the tooth is only part of the problem. If you can see the tartar, it is also on the surface of the tooth under the gum (where you can't see it). This is what starts the process of gingivitis. Inflamed gums bleed more readily than healthy gums. This can allow access of bacteria that live in the mouth into the bloodstream. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, serious health problems can result.
Bacteria tend to settle on the heart valves (causing damage and murmurs), in the kidneys (causing renal compromise), and in the liver (causing hepatic disease). Gingivitis can be treated with veterinary care, but the more advanced disease called periodontitis is permanent. At this point, the structures supporting the teeth have been damaged and control is all that is possible. Prolonged dental disease makes these serious health concerns all the more likely, while increasing the chance of your pet losing teeth.
Regular veterinary care for your pet, including a dental exam, can stop the progression of dental disease. Routine dental prophylaxis involves general anesthesia (preceded by blood tests), ultrasonic scaling of the teeth, and polishing of the teeth. Sometimes antibiotics are used prior to, during, and after the procedure to help prevent bacteria from causing any illness. Antibiotic usage is usually determined on an individual basis and is based on the severity of the dental disease.
While some pets have healthy teeth and mouths for their entire lives without any dental care, most pets need regular dental care. For these pets, regular brushing (5-7 times per week), regular use of dental treats like Bright Bites, as well as regular veterinary care will help maintain good dental health. Take care of your pet's mouth to help keep him as healthy as he can be.
Please note that this information does not replace professional veterinary care. It is solely for educational purposes. Your pet's medical condition should be evaluated by a veterinarian before any medical decisions are implemented. If there is a potentially life-threatening emergency involving your pet, take your pet to a veterinarian or veterinary facility immediately.