dog gingivitis

Question
My friend had her dog checked by a dog dentist.  He said that the dog has gingivitis so bad they would like to pull all teeth.  The dog is 6 years old. Is there an alternative to this?  How does this affect the dog for feeding and chewing on toys?

She is looking for any information on this subject.

Thank you

Answer
Hi Mary,
   This isn't my expertise, full mouth extractions that is. Umm... the only alternative I can think of is to ask the vet. if she can put the dog on some heavy duty antibiotics for about a month! to see if that will help witht he inflammation and gingivitis. A good anitibiotic I know of is Antirobe ( a.ka. clindamycin) or Zithramax. These are good antibitoics for oral issues.
   But I would direct this question to Dr. Jennifer Fry on this veterinary web site she is a vet. and you can get her take on this. Take care.