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The cleaning problem was caused by the trach tube, it evidently scratched her trachea and infection set in. All the doggie freepers helped me as I was beside myself with worry, than God for those who stay online almost all night. Anyway, I took her to the vet three times a day for antibiotic shots for several days, the whole experience was just dreadful. I had just gotten her and thought my efforts to make her breath smell better had killed her. She doesn't have worms, her teeth look good and all the vet recommended was the cleaning. So now her teeth are clean but her breath will still stop a truck. She isn't an old dog, I thought she was when I got her but after several months with two other dogs she has started to play and exhibit young dog behavior. I think she was depressed when we got her, her elderly owner had died and she had been confined to a kennel to protect her from the owner's granddaughter's big dog (who disliked her).

Someone on this thread suggested brushing a dogs teeth. I am wondering how to do that, with a toothbrush? And what should you use, regular toothpaste? I'm not sure my dog would tolerate me putting a toothbrush in her mouth.

http://www.wvcvets.com/faqs_dental.html

Human toothpastes, which contain fluoride and baking soda, are not designed for ingestion. Using human toothpaste puts your animal at risk of a GI upset. The best option is to use an animal toothpaste that is designed for ingestion and will taste good to your pet.

The cleaning problem was caused by the trach tube, it evidently scratched her trachea and infection set in.

Sounds like it was quite an ordeal, but also a fairly uncommon and freaky one. It's a mishap not likely to happen again, so it's easier to manage than a chemistry reaction to the drugs. If the teeth and gums are fairly healthy, it may be her chemistry or even diet that causes ~overly~ foul breath. A vet might be able to help.

I see others have already answered you about using only a dog toothpaste if you do try brushing