Rotten Teeth in Bull Mastiff

Question
Hi,

I adopted a 7yrs old Bull Mastiff a few months back. He has awful breath. We brought him to the Vet, she told us to get to chew on bones & raw hide for the next 6 months to help loosen the plaque which she says was his main problem. It's been 3 months or so since his last visit. She also said that in 6 months if it's not better, they will have to clean the teeth & probably removed that mollar. Yesterday when I got home I found a small tooth , the tooth itself looked good was white but the root seemed brown and dry.Could it be a different issue lying under the gums that is rotting his roots? I know that he most probably will require the surgery. But his has problem breathing is tongue is stinking out most of the time and his nasal passage seems very small .He makes a lot of noises when he takes a breath.His snout seems short and his teeth could have needed some braces...they have alot of space in between them and they are pointing in every directions. My concern is that is breathing problem could that cause any problems during a surgery of this sort? And is there any other options if ever is not the right candidate for this procedure.    Thank you in advance.   Janic Breau

Answer
Hi Janic,

The first problem that is most pressing is his teeth need cleaning professionally. His breathing problem is most likely from a congenital defect that you  cannot change, however, bacteria from his teeth could be suspect also in it.

As far as his gums go, he has advanced periodontal disease from years of dental neglect. Since dogs cannot brush their teeth like we do, unless their owners take care of them for them with cleanings and home brushing, they will have periodontal disease by the age of two and it just progresses from there.

A thorough cleaning (meaning under the roots etc)is what will help him with the bacterial overload you are smelling not only in his mouth and from his nose. Eating bones of any type is very dangerous and can result in death for your dog. I am amazed a vet would tell you to do that. Rawhides can help but a little. Hard grown calculus (tartar) will not come off that way most of the time. Only a good, thorough cleaning that includes a root cleaning with an ultrasound scaler will remove the plaque and tartar that is underneath the gingival margin.

The breathing nose could be from the nasal passages but could also be from his epiglottis. A good exam that includes a look up his nose and into the back of his throat would be a good place to start. That can be done whilst he is out having his teeth cleaned.

Overcrowding with his teeth can be from all the above- he may have undersized maxilla (upper jaw) and lower mandible (lower jaw) which can result with bad teeth and undersized nasal turbinates (nasal passages).

I hope that this answers some of your questions and concerns. Let me know if you have more.