As you’re probably aware, your mouth is home to all kinds of microorganisms, some of which can cause issues for your oral health if you’re not careful. You may find yourself wondering whether animals have the same problem. The phrase “a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth” gets passed around quite a bit, but is that really the case? Your preventive dentist is here to explain the truth.
How Clean is a Dog’s Mouth?
The simple answer is: not very. Despite what you may have heard, the fact of the matter is that a dog’s mouth is filled with a wide range of microorganisms – just like a human’s mouth. Currently, dogs are known to have over 600 kinds of oral bacteria.
It should be noted, though, that many of the microorganisms found in a dog’s mouth are not found in human mouths. A prime example is the Porphyromonas family of bacteria, which can be responsible for gum disease. Humans have a type of Porphyromonas known as P. gingivalis, but dogs have P. gulae instead.
The majority of bacteria in a dog’s mouth are not zoonotic, so they can’t get humans sick. As such, if you get a doggy kiss, you generally don’t have to worry about contracting any diseases. That said, if your dog eats raw meat, they could become a carrier of salmonella, which can be passed on to humans through saliva.
Oral Hygiene for Dogs and Humans
As a dog owner, it’s up to you to help your canine friend practice good oral hygiene so that their mouth can stay as healthy as possible. This means brushing their teeth with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. It’s generally easier to get your dog used to having their teeth brushed while they’re still in the puppy stage. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian to see what they recommend when it comes to protecting your dog’s teeth and gums.
Of course, as important as looking out for your dog’s oral health is, you shouldn’t neglect your own. Get in the habit of brushing at least two times a day, and don’t forget to floss regularly as well. Schedule a visit with your dentist once every six months so that they can remove plaque and tartar while also checking for warning signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
In short, dogs don’t necessarily have cleaner mouths; they simply have different oral bacteria to contend with. And of course, human smiles and canine smiles alike can both benefit from a diligent oral hygiene routine.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra, we offer everything from routine preventive dental care to more complex restorative services. We highly encourage our patients to visit us twice a year for checkups and cleanings so that we can help them deal with minor dental issues before they can turn into serious oral health threats. To schedule a consultation with us, visit our website or call (626) 289-6131.