Maltese Bad Breath

As a pup’s 28 deciduous teeth (also called milk teeth, puppy teeth, or temporary teeth) are falling out to make way for 42 adult teeth, there is a certain amount of bleeding that occurs and there is an overproduction of saliva. 

It’s not enough for an owner to really notice by eye; however, the mixture of blood and saliva can produce a rather strong sour-type smell that many equate to spoiled milk. 

This cause of bad breath will naturally resolve itself as a Maltese finishes the teething phase. In the meantime, good at-home dental care which includes brushing the teeth will help curb bad this odor. For more, see ahead for: How to Keep a Maltese’s Breath Nice and Fresh. 

The problem centers around food particle powder which are the tiny flecks that break off from the main pieces. There is always a minuscule amount that naturally flakes off each time you take out a scoop or move the bag. When a dog eats a meal, this powder mixes with saliva and can form a sort of paste. This paste can stick to the inner cheeks and around the teeth. If it remains in the mouth, it will become increasingly foul-smelling. 

1. Transfer kibble to an air-tight container. When kibble become stale, more pieces break off, hence more particles. If you buy large enough bags that your Maltese’s kibble lasts longer than 5 days, keeping it in a sealed, air-tight container will keep it fresher longer. 

2. Use a strainer for the last few scoops. The last couple of servings of the bag typically contain lots of more food particle dust since it settles to the bottom. This can typically be resolved by sifting those servings in a strainer first to remove the powder. 

4. Brush the teeth. Since this vital part of daily care should be done at any rate, syncing this task with when your Maltese finishes a meal can remove the paste before it has a chance to become smelly. For details, see ahead for: How to Keep a Maltese’s Breath Nice and Fresh. 

Around the clock, plaque is being produced in a dog’s mouth. It is a clear, extremely sticky substance that clings to the teeth. It starts to harden into tartar (also referred to as calculus) rather quickly, in as little as just 3 days.

Plaque and tartar release acids that eat away at the enamel on the teeth, this often leads to tooth decay. It can also move under the gum line and cause gum infections (gingivitis). 

The plaque itself can have a very bad odor even before it does any damage to a dog’s teeth. It’s a rather putrid smell, that some equate to rotting food, decomposing fish, or a nondescript garbage-like smell. 

In addition to that, bacteria linked to infection (decay in a Maltese’s tooth or gum infection) can cause a very offensive smell that is often referred to as a bitter odor. 

It’s a long-held myth that dogs can keep their teeth clean simply by chewing on toys. While this helps to some small degree, it wildly insufficient to keep teeth clean and bad breath at bay. 

First, you will want to have your Maltese examined by the veterinarian to check for infection or decay and have those issues resolved. This may include extraction, application of sealant, and a ‘full dental’ cleaning. Note that if a tooth is rotting, no amount of at-home care and fix it; this warrants professional care. 

Then, once serious issues have been ruled out and/or resolved, it will be time to stay on a strict at-home dental care plan to keep your Maltese’s teeth clean and breath smelling nice and fresh. 

Whenever there is a foreign object in the mouth, the body responds by producing excess saliva, which on its own can cause a mild case of bad breath. In addition, if the culprit has pierced the skin and there is bleeding, this may also contribute to the odor. 

The top offender is a splinter of some sort, often a sliver of wood from mouthing things outside. Another possibility is a piece of grass wedged between the teeth. Typically, there will be other signs including reluctance to eat due to discomfort.

Using a flashlight and easier done with a helper, you may be able to see the object. Depending on what it is and where it is located, you may be able to dislodge it with your Maltese’s toothbrush or by gripping it with a paper towel. In the case of a splinter in the mouth, it’s best to have the veterinarian remove the culprit. 

Diabetes. Canine diabetes is linked to bad breath in a number of ways. If blood sugar levels are exceedingly high, this can produce a strong fruity smell. In addition, dogs with diabetes are at greater risk for gum disease and associated infections. Aside from possible bad breath, other signs include changes in appetite, excessive thirst, excessive urination, changes in weight, lethargy, reoccurring urinary tract infections, upset stomach, vomiting, chronic skin issues, and/or vision problems.

Kidney issues. In the case of kidney stones, kidney infection, or other related conditions that affect the functioning of a dog’s kidneys, breath may develop a strong ammonia-type smell. Other signs may include trouble urinating, blood in the urine, fever, and/or signs of discomfort (odd stance, hunched over appearance). 

Lung issues. Any illness that involves the lungs can involve bad breath. Conditions include canine flu, kennel cough, and bacterial or viral lung infections. Other signs are rather obvious and include coughing, difficulty breathing, and/or wheezing.

Digestive issues. An upset stomach may involve burps (silent or audible) that hold strong odors, and regular breathing that holds a sour, acid-type smell. Other signs may include reluctance to eat, lethargy, runny stools, and/or nausea. The cause of digestive issues varies quite a bit, from inferior food with high grain, by-product, or chemical composition, to food intolerance, bacterial infection, and parasitic infection.

There are 3 steps:

As the importance of at-home dental care is becoming clearer to owners, products are flooding the market. It’s crucial to use the right ones. 

The toothbrush. With toy dogs like the Maltese, sizing is vital, as is quality. You’ll want the brush to be as noninvasive as possible while working well to scrub away plaque. Opt for a brush that is sized for small dogs or consider using a finger toothbrush which is a small piece that slips over your pointer finger; many dogs find this more tolerable. 

The paste. Human toothpaste is toxic to dogs and is a choking hazard due to the foaming action. For these important reasons, you will want to use a paste designed for dogs, it will be ingestible (since dogs cannot spit and are meant to swallow it) and it will be non-foaming. To help your Maltese enjoy this task, look for one with an appealing flavor.