After a long day, there may be nothing better than heading home and being greeted by your furry friend. They may scratch on your leg, begging to be picked up, and unleash an attack of kisses! You might reciprocate and give them a big smooch on their head. However, you might’ve heard someone say a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s smile, but is this really true? Here’s what you should know.
So, Is My Dog’s Mouth Cleaner?
You might imagine that what makes an oral cavity be seen as clean or dirty depends on the bacteria living inside it. A dog has over 600 different types of germs, while humans have over 615. This might seem like one is healthier than the other, but this isn’t the case!
Dental problems can still affect both parties, so it’s important to make sure you do your part in preventing any issues. For instance, Porphyromonas (a bacterial family) can cause gum disease for both humans and dogs, but P. gingivalis affects you, while P. gulae affects your furry friend.
Can I Still Give My Dog Kisses?
Since gum-inflaming bacteria found in both species’ mouths are in the same family, you might wonder whether you should worry about getting a disease from kissing your pet. The good news is that there isn’t really anything to worry about. Most of the bacteria found in a dog’s mouth won’t cause problems for you.
That said, there are some exceptions! If your furry one has a raw diet, then you may be at a higher risk of salmonella. The same goes for if they tend to raid litter boxes as well. In all, giving them a smooch isn’t any less risky than kissing a partner.
How Can I Keep My and My Dog’s Smile Healthy?
No matter what, oral hygiene is crucial for you and your companion. You should be brushing, flossing, and having routine visits with your dentist. That way, you can get rid of plaque that causes problems.
You should also be scrubbing your dog’s teeth and getting them checked out by a professional to ensure there aren’t any issues developing. You will have to have your appointments twice yearly, while your furry friend may be able to get by once a year, but every time they are groomed can be helpful as well.
Your dog’s mouth isn’t really cleaner than your own, but it’s important to take care of both. That way, you can feel confident knowing both smiles are in great shape.
About the Practice
At Family Dental Center of East Texas, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez. We are dedicated to helping the Center community get the stronger teeth and gums they deserve with preventive care. By having routine visits, we can spot any red flags early and give you the effective treatment you need. If you are due for your next checkup and cleaning, schedule an appointment or call our office at (936) 427-9070.