About Dr. Jan Bellows, D.V.M.
954.349.5800
| Dr. Jan Bellows, D.V.M. |
Dr. Jan Bellows is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental
College and also a Diplomate of the American Board of
Veterinary Practitioners. Dr. Bellows has authored two books on
veterinary dentistry in addition to the Smile Book series and has
lectured extensively in the United States and Europe. You can
reach Dr. Bellows through his Web site, www.DentalVet.com.
College and also a Diplomate of the American Board of
Veterinary Practitioners. Dr. Bellows has authored two books on
veterinary dentistry in addition to the Smile Book series and has
lectured extensively in the United States and Europe. You can
reach Dr. Bellows through his Web site, www.DentalVet.com.
 | |  | |  |
| Dr. Jan Bellows, D.V.M. Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College |
Halitosis, also called bad breath, is as an offensive odor
emanating from the oral cavity. Bad breath is a common pet odor
complaint. Causes are commonly related to the mouth and rarely
related to other health problems.
The most common cause of halitosis is periodontal disease
caused by plaque (bacteria). Bacteria is attracted to the tooth
surface within hours of teeth cleaning. Within days, the plaque
becomes mineralized producing calculus. As plaque ages and
gingivitis develops into periodontitis (bone loss), bacteria changes
from somewhat irritating strains to bone destroying types which
produce hydrogen sulfide causing halitosis.
Periodontal disease is painful. Some dogs and cats will have
problems chewing hard food, others will paw at their mouths.
Unfortunately most will not show any signs.
Halitosis is easily diagnosed by smelling your dog or cats breath.
If there is a disagreeable odor, halitosis is present. A veterinarian
examination is necessary to diagnose the specific cause of bad
breath. If the diagnosis is not obvious after oral examination,
blood tests will be taken to check for internal disease.
Halitosis treatment depends on the cause. There are four
recognized stages of periodontal disease. The first two (early
gingivitis and advanced gingivitis) are treated by professional
teeth cleaning. As the disease advances bone loss occurs
causing periodontitis which may require surgery or tooth
extraction.
Antibiotics may be used to destroy bacteria causing periodontal
disease and halitosis. Often the antibiotics are used in a pulse
therapy fashion (given the first five days of each month). Oral
rinses containing chlorhexidine are helpful.
Odor neutralization of hydrogen sulfide occurs with the use of zinc
citrate.
Once the underlying disease has been treated, halitosis will
disappear. If due to periodontal disease, daily tooth brushing will
help maintain good oral health and sweet breath.
emanating from the oral cavity. Bad breath is a common pet odor
complaint. Causes are commonly related to the mouth and rarely
related to other health problems.
The most common cause of halitosis is periodontal disease
caused by plaque (bacteria). Bacteria is attracted to the tooth
surface within hours of teeth cleaning. Within days, the plaque
becomes mineralized producing calculus. As plaque ages and
gingivitis develops into periodontitis (bone loss), bacteria changes
from somewhat irritating strains to bone destroying types which
produce hydrogen sulfide causing halitosis.
Periodontal disease is painful. Some dogs and cats will have
problems chewing hard food, others will paw at their mouths.
Unfortunately most will not show any signs.
Halitosis is easily diagnosed by smelling your dog or cats breath.
If there is a disagreeable odor, halitosis is present. A veterinarian
examination is necessary to diagnose the specific cause of bad
breath. If the diagnosis is not obvious after oral examination,
blood tests will be taken to check for internal disease.
Halitosis treatment depends on the cause. There are four
recognized stages of periodontal disease. The first two (early
gingivitis and advanced gingivitis) are treated by professional
teeth cleaning. As the disease advances bone loss occurs
causing periodontitis which may require surgery or tooth
extraction.
Antibiotics may be used to destroy bacteria causing periodontal
disease and halitosis. Often the antibiotics are used in a pulse
therapy fashion (given the first five days of each month). Oral
rinses containing chlorhexidine are helpful.
Odor neutralization of hydrogen sulfide occurs with the use of zinc
citrate.
Once the underlying disease has been treated, halitosis will
disappear. If due to periodontal disease, daily tooth brushing will
help maintain good oral health and sweet breath.
Does Your Dog Have Bad Breath?
