JVD 2009 3 “Doggy Breath”:What Causes It, How Do I Evaluate It, and What Can I do About It? Diana L. Eubanks, DVM, MS

Question 1

Why is halitosis often worse in the morning?

Answer 1

decreased saliva flow in the night can cause increased oral malodour in the morning.

Question 2

What test results contributed to the belief that the degree of oral malodour is affected by oral disease.

Answer 2

A test group of animals chewing a daily dental chew which reduces plaque and tartar build up had a level of oral malodour which remained low.
A group of patients in a pretest phase of a study where they had daily tooth brushing had a statistically reduced level of oral malodour as measured by. sulphide monitor.

Question 3

For what period of time has professional periodontal therapy been shown to reduce oral malodour

Answer 3

up to 3 months

Question 4

What home care regimes have proven efficacious in preventing oral malodour?

Answer 4

Daily tooth brushing
Use of chlorhexidine rinse
Chewing and subsequent saliva release and subsequently the use of dental diets and chews.

Question 5

What non oral disorders can cause oral malodour

Answer 5

gastrointestinal disorders, systemic diseases such as respiratory infections, diabetes and renal failure.

Question 6

What are the two most common methods used for the detection of oral oral malodour in the canine

Answer 6

A halimeter (a portable volatile sulfur compound monitor)
Sensory evaluation

Question 7

What are responsible for producing volatile sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulphide and methylpercaptan

Answer 7

Bacteria, especially gram negative strains associated with periodontal disease