Halitosis

Overview

Halitosis, or bad breath, is an unpleasant odor coming from your pet’s mouth. Usually halitosis has oral causes, although sometimes it can be caused by other disease processes. Causes include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontitis (inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the tooth), mouth ulcers, foreign objects, cancer of the mouth or severe kidney disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment Notes:

• Halitosis is generally diagnosed by a thorough oral examination. To fully evaluate the teeth, dental x-rays are recommended. Bloodwork may also be recommended to look for underlying disease.
• Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, your individual pet, and your veterinarian. Pets with halitosis benefit from a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. Sometimes diseased teeth need to be extracted. After cleaning, periodic flushing of the mouth with antiseptic can also help. Discuss treatment details when your pet is diagnosed with this condition.

What to Watch for*:  

• Bad breath
• Oral discharge
• Oral pain
• Bloody oral discharge
• Drooling
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Difficulty chewing

*Please notify us if you notice any of the above signs or if you have any questions!