If your furry friend has bad breath, it may be a sign of something serious.

By vet Dr Rachele Lowe

Tooth trouble
Halitosis is usually caused by the by-products of bacteria. These bacteria are present in plaque a soft material that builds up on the teeth and surrounds gums, irritating gum tissues. Tartar, a hard, calcified material, also builds up on top of the teeth and provides a rough surface for more plaque to stick to. If left untreated, the pet's gums will start to become infected and this leads to gingivitis, which can, in turn, cause a painful condition called periodontitis. By this time, all the structures surrounding the teeth, including the bone, will be infected and the teeth will become loose.

Painful problem
Oral disease is the most common infection to affect our pets, with a huge 80 per cent of dogs, and almost as many cats, having some degree of periodontal disease by the age of three. While bad breath may be the only sign initially noticed by pet owners, as the disease progresses, gums will become red and even start to bleed. Our pets' eating habits will also change - they usually develop a preference for softer foods because chewing becomes too painful.

Gnawing concern
The effects of periodontal disease don't stop at the mouth. Bacteria that surround the roots of the teeth gain access to the blood stream and cause damage to other organs. Studies have shown that dogs with severe periodontal disease have more severe microscopic damage to their kidneys, heart muscle and liver.

Breathing easy
The key to effectively managing gum disease is prevention. As long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently, plaque won't accumulate and the gums will stay healthy. The gold standard of care here is daily brushing. Special diets and chews that have been given approval by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) will also help. Cats and dogs should have a dental check-up with the vet at their annual vaccination visit and most pets will need a professional scale and polish under anaesthesia as they get older.

How to clean your pet's teeth

This can be challenging, but if you do it effectively, it will make a big difference. Here's what I find works best:

• Start with your pet's own soft cloth. Apply something your pet likes the taste of, such as vegemite or anchovy paste, and gently open the pet's mouth, rubbing the cloth on the teeth. Don't worry about trying to clean them the first time, just get the pet used to you opening its mouth. And give your pet a treat after.

• Over a two-week period, use the cloth to work your way around the outside of the teeth at the front and back of the mouth. Always give a little treat and a big cuddle as a reward for cooperation.

• Once your pet has accepted the cloth, you can change to a child's soft toothbrush and a pet toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste as it's too high in foaming agents.