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.
Comparing Canine and Human Oral Microbiomes
So, what’s actually going on in a dog’s mouth versus a human’s? Let’s take a closer look at the bacterial communities that call our mouths home.
Bacterial Diversity: A Numbers Game
Here’s a statistic that might surprise you: Dogs have around 600 different species of bacteria living in their mouths. Humans? We clock in at approximately 615 species, and scientists are still discovering more. So, when we’re talking about the sheer number of bacteria, humans and dogs are pretty similar. However, the number of species isn’t the only thing that determines how “clean” a mouth is.
What’s really important is the type of bacteria present. Dogs and humans have significantly different bacterial makeups in their mouths. Not all bacteria are bad guys; some are actually beneficial, and others are just neutral bystanders.
Shared Enemies: Periodontal Disease
One thing that dogs and humans do have in common is the risk of periodontal disease. Certain bacteria, like Porphyromonas, can cause gum disease in both species. This highlights a shared vulnerability when it comes to oral health.
Whether you’re a human or a canine, untreated oral health issues can lead to pain, discomfort, and even more serious health complications.
Potential Risks: Infections Transmitted Through Dog Saliva
While a dog’s mouth isn’t necessarily “cleaner,” it’s more accurate to say that it contains different types of bacteria than a human mouth. Some of these bacteria, if transmitted, could be harmful.
Bacterial Infections
Dog bites can transmit bacteria like Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Pasteurella canis to humans. Capnocytophaga can cause serious illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, blisters, and even sepsis. Pasteurella can cause painful skin infections around the bite site.
Although less common, it’s also possible to contract E. coli or Salmonella from a dog’s saliva if it comes into contact with your mouth, especially if you aren’t practicing good hygiene. Salmonella infections can lead to gastrointestinal distress, while some strains of E. coli can cause severe illness.
Viral Infections: The Threat of Rabies
Rabies is a serious and deadly viral infection transmitted through saliva. Fortunately, it’s rare in the United States, largely because of widespread vaccination programs for dogs. However, it’s crucial to ensure your dog is vaccinated against rabies to protect yourself and others. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so prevention through vaccination is paramount.
Canine Saliva: Potential Benefits and the Licking Dilemma
Some research suggests that dog saliva might actually help heal wounds. Scientists have found proteins called histatins in dog saliva, and these proteins seem to kill bacteria, promote cell growth, and speed up wound closure.
However, letting your dog lick your wounds isn’t always a great idea. In some cases, it can make things worse. Licking can cause inflammation and slow down healing. Plus, there’s always a risk of infection from bacteria in the dog’s mouth. If you have a wound, especially a deep one, it’s always best to get it checked out by a doctor. They can make sure it’s properly cleaned and treated.
Finally, it’s worth noting that some people are allergic to dog saliva, so getting licked can trigger an allergic reaction.
Maintaining Canine Oral Hygiene: A Proactive Approach
Whether your dog’s mouth is “cleaner” than yours or not, it’s important to take care of your dog’s teeth. Here are some suggestions for maintaining your dog’s oral health.
At-Home Dental Care
Just like with humans, daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for keeping your dog’s mouth healthy. Be sure to use a toothpaste formulated for dogs. You can use a finger brush or a child’s toothbrush to get the job done.
In addition to brushing, talk with your vet about plaque prevention products that could help keep your dog’s teeth clean.
Dental chews and treats can also help prevent plaque buildup, but be sure to choose treats that are safe and appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits.
Professional Dental Care
Just like with humans, regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining your dog’s oral health. Most veterinarians recommend a dental checkup at least once a year, and more often if your dog has dental problems.
A professional dental cleaning typically involves a thorough cleaning, polishing, probing, x-rays, fluoride treatment, and sealants. Your veterinarian will be able to give you a complete picture of your dog’s dental health.
Signs of dental problems in dogs include extra teeth, bleeding gums, swelling, plaque buildup, bad breath, and loose teeth. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a visit with your veterinarian right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dog saliva the same as human saliva?
Not exactly. Dog saliva contains different enzymes and bacteria than human saliva. While both have antibacterial properties, the types and amounts differ. Dog saliva also contains proteins that can aid in wound healing for themselves, but those aren’t necessarily beneficial (or even safe) for humans.
How clean is a dog’s mouth when they lick you?
A dog’s mouth isn’t sterile. It contains bacteria, some of which are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans and potentially cause illness. While many of these bacteria are harmless, it’s best to avoid letting your dog lick open wounds or areas where you have broken skin.
Is it sanitary for a dog to lick your mouth?
Generally, no. While the risk is low for healthy adults, letting a dog lick your mouth can expose you to bacteria and parasites that could make you sick. It’s especially risky for children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Plus, let’s be honest, they lick other things too.
What’s the cleanest part of a dog?
This is a bit of a trick question! There’s no truly “clean” part of a dog in the sterile sense. However, regularly cleaned areas like their coat after a bath, or their teeth after brushing, will naturally have fewer bacteria. Still, even those areas aren’t entirely free from microbes.
The Bottom Line
Let’s be clear: a dog’s mouth isn’t cleaner than a human’s, and it isn’t dirtier either. It’s just different. Dogs and humans have unique collections of bacteria living in their mouths, and some of those bacteria are harmful to both species.
As a responsible dog owner, you play an important role in ensuring your dog’s oral health. Good dental hygiene is essential for preventing infections and keeping your dog healthy and happy. It can also lower the chances of your dog passing an infection to you.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s dental health or possible infections, you should always talk with your veterinarian. They can give you personalized advice and help you keep your canine companion’s mouth healthy for years to come.