You’ve probably heard the old saying: “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s!” But is a dog mouth cleaner than a human mouth, really?
The truth is that a dog’s mouth isn’t necessarily “cleaner,” it’s just different. The types of bacteria that live in a dog’s mouth are distinct from the bacteria found in human mouths. Understanding the risks and benefits of those differences is key.
This article explores the bacterial makeup of dog and human mouths, the potential risks of swapping saliva, and what you can do to keep your dog’s teeth (and your own!) healthy.