The most common cause of bad breath is excessive calculus and plaque deposits on the teeth.
Bacteria live and feed in the plaque and produce gum and bone infection, pain, and bad breath.
Calculus is a crusty collection of food particles, minerals, and bacteria that forms at the teeth-gum borders. Plaque formation eventually leads to gum disease, mouth odors, receding gums and bone destruction and infection. The pressure on the gums and infection of the teeth is quite painful to your dog. As an alternative, a soft bristle toothbrush or finger brush can be used with a non-foaming enzymatic toothpaste manufactured for dogs. Treatments should be done daily or at least every other day, depending on the current problems.