Hey everyone, I have a 10 year old jack russell terrior, her breath stinks, and I brush her teeth every few

Question

days. It could literally knock you out. I belive she may have gingivitis... other than brushing her teeth what eles can I do to get rid of the stench.. she licks you and well, you want to gag!! thx

Answer 1

Kudos to you for actually brushing your dogs teeth. However, you can not brush off the tartar and it will need to be removed by a professional teeth cleaning. make SURE your vet polishes or the tartar will come back quicker.

She may also have poor digestion which can add to foul breath. Anal sac impaction can cause a dog to excessively lick their butts and cause foul breath too.

Food particles and bacteria collect along the gumline forming plaque. If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (or calculus) which adheres strongly to the teeth. Plaque starts to mineralize 3-5 days after it forms. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. This can be seen as reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It also causes bad breath.

If the calculus is not removed, it builds up under the gums. It separates the gums from the teeth to form "pockets" and encourages even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible, and called "periodontal" disease. It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection.

What factors affect the development of periodontal disease?
Numerous factors play a role in the formation of plaque, tartar, and the development of periodontal disease. These include:

* Age and general health status
* Diet and chewing behavior
* Breed, genetics, and tooth alignment
* Grooming habits
* Home care
* Mouth environment

Age and Health Status: Periodontal disease more commonly affects older animals.

Diet and Chewing Behavior: Studies show that hard kibbles are slightly better at keeping plaque from accumulating on the teeth. Dogs that chew on various toys may remove some of the plaque build-up.

Breed, Genetics, and Tooth Alignment: Small breed and brachycephalic dogs are at greater risk of periodontal disease because their teeth are often crowded together. This results in an increased accumulation of plaque because the normal cleansing mechanisms are hindered.

Grooming Habits: Hair accumulation and impaction around the tooth and in the gingival sulcus can increase the development of tartar.

Home Care: Regular brushing of your dog's teeth can greatly reduce the accumulation of plaque and development of tartar, thus reducing the risk of periodontal disease.

Mouth Environment: Dogs that open-mouth breathe tend to have a more tenacious plaque because of the dehydration of the oral cavity.

In general, the more acid the saliva, the more rapid the build-up of plaque.

The number and type of bacteria in the mouth influence the progression of periodontal disease.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?
As periodontal disease progresses, you may observe the following signs:

* Purulent exudate (pus) around the tooth

* Persistent bad breath

* Gums that bleed easily

* Sensitivity around the mouth

* Pawing at the mouth

* Gums that are inflamed (red), hyperplastic, or receding

* Loose or missing teeth

* Loss of appetite

* Stomach or intestinal upsets

* Drooling

* Difficulty chewing or eating

* Irritability or depression

How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
A number of criteria are used to assess the oral health of a dog and assign a grade. These include the amount and distribution of plaque and calculus, health of the gingiva (gums), radiologic appearance, and the depth of pockets. ('Deep pockets' do not refer to the financial status of the owner, but to the depth of the gingival sulcus. The pocket depth is measured using a calibrated probe. In a dog, the normal pocket depth is 2-3 mm.) After assessing these parameters, the severity of disease can be determined and a prognosis made.

What veterinary procedures are used to treat periodontal disease?
Treatment depends upon the severity (Grade) of the problem. In all cases, a pre-surgical exam should be conducted. This may, in some instances, include some pre-anesthetic blood testing. These exams and testing are done to assess the health of your dog and point out any potential problems. Many times your dog will be started on antibiotics several days before the scheduled dental procedures. Your dog will be anesthetized and monitored during the procedure.

It is important to treat and control periodontal disease for 2 reasons:

• to maintain the health of teeth and gums
• to guard against infection spreading to other parts of the body

Grade I or Grade II: A routine professional prophylaxis (dental cleaning and polishing, often called a 'prophy') will be performed on dogs with Grade I or II disease. The plaque and tartar build-up will be removed from the teeth, both above and below the gumline, with handheld and ultrasonic scalers. The teeth are then polished to remove microscopic scratches that predispose to plaque formation and calculus build-up. Each tooth and the entire oral cavity are checked for any disease. Fluoride may be applied.

Grade III and Grade IV: After the teeth are scaled, as described above, probing and dental radiology will be performed in order to select the appropriate treatment. Treatment options are root planing and subgingival curettage, periodontal debridement, gingivectomy, periodontal surgery, special therapeutics, and tooth extraction.

Root planing: Root planing involves removing residual calculus and diseased cementum or dentin, and smoothing the root surface. This procedure is difficult to learn and usually requires months of training and practice.

Subgingival curettage: Subgingival curettage removes diseased epithelium and connective tissue. This is also a difficult procedure.

Periodontal debridement: Periodontal debridement may be performed instead of root planing and gingival curettage. In this procedure, irritants to the tooth and root surface such as bacteria and endotoxins produced by the bacteria are removed. This is accomplished through special ultrasonic scalers.

Gingivectomy: During a gingivectomy, hyperplastic or excess gingiva is removed. The area between this excess tissue and the tooth is a perfect habitat for bacteria.

Periodontal surgery: These surgeries involve opening a flap of the gingiva over the root of the tooth to be able to reach the deeper structures.

Special therapeutics: Newer products on the market include artificial materials that can be placed inside the pockets to stimulate bone and periodontal growth. Some include antibiotics that are released for several weeks after the application.

Tooth extraction: In some cases, a tooth cannot be saved or the owner elects not to have other procedures performed. In these cases, tooth extraction is the only alternative.

What types of aftercare and home care are needed for pets with Grade I or II disease?

Owner commitment to home care is crucial.

Pets with Grade I or II disease will be placed on a regular brushing and home dental care program to control plaque. Measures include the mechanical removal of plaque through brushing and chewing; the chemical removal of plaque through toothpastes, gels and rinses; and proper nutrition with the possible use of specially formulated foods which reduce the amount of plaque and stain on teeth.

What types of aftercare and home care are needed for pets with Grade III or IV disease?

Pets with Grade III or IV disease will need to be placed on several types of therapy. Owner commitment to this care is crucial.

Pain and anti-inflammatory medication: Medication for pain relief and to decrease the amount of inflammation may be administered post-operatively and for several weeks following the dental procedures.

Antibiotics: Antibiotic therapy is important. Commonly used antibiotics include amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox), clindamycin (Antirobe), and cefadroxil (Cefa-Tabs and Cefa-Drops). These antibiotics may be given 1-2 weeks postsurgically. Pulse therapy, in which antibiotics are administered for the first 5 days of every month in an attempt to lower the bacterial count in the mouth, may also be used.

Topical medications: Products containing zinc ascorbate, stannous fluoride, and chlorhexidine may need to be applied to the teeth on a regular basis.

Limit or eliminate chew toys: If flap surgeries were performed, chew toys will need to be eliminated for the first month so healing can take place. In other instances chew toys, except for soft ones, may need to be removed.

Diet: Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to feed your dog only soft food for the week or so after treatment. Your veterinarian may then suggest feeding your dog a specialized dry diet that helps control the build-up of plaque and tartar.

Brushing: Your veterinarian will explain to you the best toothbrushing routine for your dog. You may need to wait until your dog's mouth heals before starting to brush. Often you will start out with a soft finger brush for the first 2-3 months and then graduate to a bristle brush.

Regular check-ups: Dogs with periodontal disease will need frequent check-ups to assess their oral health. For some animals, it may be advisable to recheck pocket depth 4-6 weeks after treatment. For others, routine examinations 2-4 times a year will be needed.

PREVENTION --- PREVENTION --- PREVENTION

Periodontal disease is irreversible. We do not want you or your dog to have to go through that diagnosis. Do not wait. Get your dog on a good dental care program that includes:

* Regular visits to your veterinarian, which include an oral exam
* Veterinary dental cleaning as advised
* Daily oral care

You and your dog will be glad you did!

Answer 2

The black marks sound like some kind of decay, but with his good diet and teeth brushing, it just doesn't seem likely. It could be the lack of calcium catching up with him. Has he ever been to the dentist before, and had a detal evaluation? When my brother was little, my mom noticed that he was getting a cavity on his molars and took him, and they discovered that he had not developed any enamel on his back 4 teeth, and they were rotting away. He had to have all 4 of them capped. The dentist said this was likely due to a small cold or virus that she developed on just the wrong day of her pregnancy. Maybe your son has something similar going on. Another thing is that it may be some kind of infection right at the gum line, which would also explain the bad breath. Bad breath is always a sign of an illness or infection of some sort with my son. Good luck!

Answer 3

Breath stinking can mean many things. I have NEVER brushed my dogs teeth, and her breath has never stank. If you are brushing her teeth, baking soda does a good job. Keep brushing until it looks like she has rabies. She may also have a rotten tooth, or teeth problems. Chewing a rawhide is a breath-freshen cure. You can also find small tin packages of "pet mints" by cash registers in a local store. If her breath is still stinking, take her to a vet, they can help you.

Happy Holidays! :-]

Answer 4

Call your vet. She will want to examine her teeth to make sure nothing is stuck in her gums. Then if that checks out your dog can actually have her teeth cleaned. It is a procedure the vet. does and dogs go in making you want to gag, but come out with beautiful breath. Your vet. will also pull any bad teeth while she is doing the procedure since this could also be the source of the problem.

Answer 5

Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future. Learn here https://tr.im/Oy0xT

So where do you start with dog obedience training? You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude, it can be fun for both you and your dog!
Step 1 : Sit
This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.
• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
• Move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower.
• Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like him calm and seated.
Step 2 : Come
This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.
• Put a leash and collar on your dog.
• Go down to his level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash.
• When he gets to you, reward him with affection and a treat.
Once he’s mastered it with the leash, remove it — and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area.
Step 3 : Down
This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs.
• Find a particularly good smelling treat, and hold it in your closed fist.
• Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When he sniffs it, move your hand to the floor, so he follows.
• Then slide your hand along the ground in front of him to encourage his body to follow his head.
• Once he’s in the down position, say “Down,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat it every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “No” and take your hand away. Don’t push him into a down position, and encourage every step your dog takes toward the right position. After all, he’s working hard to figure it out!

Answer 6

Just like humans, dogs need their teeth cleaned. and as we age our teeth deteriorate. I would take her to the vet and have her teeth scraped of tartar. If she is otherwise healthy, eating, pooping, peeing, drinking water. it is probably her teeth. sometimes if the dogs stomach is upset their breath will smell but this dog is 10. most dogs need their teeth cleaned at least once or twice by that age.
good luck.

Answer 7

I know a dog that had really bad breath come to find out that ear mites lead to bad breath also. She had a case of them and once it was resolved her breath was fine. It was a fairly older dog also.

Answer 8

Take her to the vet for a dental cleaning. Dogs need their teeth cleaned at the vet at least once a year (minimum!).

Answer 9

Well you might want to try to get her checked out at her local vet.I dont understand why it would stink if you brush its teeth.Try getting a new brand of toothpaste.

Answer 10

I would take her and have her teeth cleaned at your vet. I'm surprised the vet hasn't told you this.

Answer 11

buy some doggie breath mints. they love them and you will love the new smell. also really bad breath could be a sign of cancer so check with your (actually your dogs!) vet.