Whose mouth is cleaner, dog or human? Many people think that a dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s. But this is a myth that needs to be corrected. A human’s mouth is much cleaner than a dog’s mouth for several reasons. For starters, dogs do not understand hygiene, and they lick almost anything. Their mouths contain thousands of bacterias. This is the reason why dog owners should also prioritize their oral health. According to vets, their oral health is important, just like ours.
Oral Health of a Dog
Generally speaking, a dog’s mouth is not as clean as a human’s mouth. Apart from the fact that humans brush their teeth more often, dogs tend to eat unclean things from time to time. So, to say the least, comparing human mouths and dog mouth is basically like comparing bananas and apples.
It is evident that dogs have a massive amount of bacterias in their mouth. This is because of their habits that we cannot control. For instance, they sniff and lick that are new to them. Some dogs are not interested in chew toys. Toys like these help keep their teeth clean and are vital tools for their oral health.
One of the best ways to ensure that your dog’s oral health doesn’t get compromised is by practicing proper oral care. Just like humans, they can also develop gum disease and bacterial infection. The food they eat and the things they put in their mouths contain germs and bacteria that could harm their dental health. Periodontal disease, tooth decay, halitosis, and general health issues are some things that they might suffer from if their mouths are not cleaned regularly.
Causes of Dirty Dog Mouth
Your dog would typically be curious about so many things. From time to time, you will catch them eating something they are not supposed to eat or playing with things not even from your own home. So if you are wondering why a human mouth is cleaner than a dog, it’s because of the following reasons:
- your dog uses its mouth to remove debris from its fur
- dogs scratch itchy areas with their mouth too
- they lick wounds and dirty things
- dogs pick up toys with their mouth only
- eating and drinking foods not meant for them
Note that licking is a habit that most dogs possess. It would be hard to prevent them from doing so. Moreover, if they lick their wounds, the wound could get infected, just another reason for you to ensure that their oral hygiene is not neglected.
Bacterias in your Pets Mouth
A human and a dog’s mouth both contain bacterias. If there is one thing that makes their mouth the same, it’s the fact that both houses germs that could potentially harm their dental health.
The amount of bacteria in a dog’s mouth significantly impacts the severity of dental disease that they might get. In short, the higher the number of bacterias is present, the worse the infection would be. Furthermore, your dog also develops tartar that leads to plaque. Something that a human might also encounter with poor oral hygiene.
For your reference, here are some of the common bacterias found in a dogs mouth:
Bartonella
This bacteria is usually contracted from feces, lice, and ticks. Cats can transmit this bacteria to humans, but to this day, there is no solid evidence that dogs can transfer the bacteria to their owners.
Pasteurella
Pasteurella is a normal bacteria that inhabit a dog’s mouth. An excessive amount of this bacteria can cause lymph nodes and infection.
Clostridia, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli
These kinds of bacteria can be found in their internal organs. When neglected, they can be transmitted to humans and cause severe diseases. On most occasions, a dog might not show symptoms of bacterial infection. However, they can transfer the bacteria through their feces. And because dogs usually lick their anus, these bacterias might be present in their mouths as well.
Dog Oral Care
So how will you prevent the spread of bacteria in a dog’s mouth? The answer is diligent tooth brushing and good oral hygiene practice. You may opt to get products like mouth cleaner to promote oral care. In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth, here are some of the things that you can also use:
Dental treats
Dental treats are not just for rewards. This is also considered a mouth cleaner that significantly improves a dog’s dental health. This product can remove tartar in their teeth and freshen up their breath at the same time. Plus, they are dogs’ favorite. You wouldn’t have any trouble as dogs like treats in general.
Dogtooth wipes
If you are having a hard time brushing your dog’s teeth, you might want to try dog tooth wipes. While this product cannot be used as a permanent replacement for a toothbrush, you can use this when your family is on vacation or when you are outdoors with your dog.
Dog chews
Lucky for you, there are many dog chews to choose from. Aside from being an excellent mouth cleaner, dog chews also satisfy your dog’s need to chew and bite. This is like helping them clean their teeth in the most enjoyable way for them.
Dental cleanings
The good news is that vets can perform dental cleaning too. You should bring your dog for professional cleaning twice a year to remove plaque buildup.
References:
Are Dogs Mouths Clean? (https://www.wellpets.com/blog/87-are-dogs-mouths-clean)
Are Dogs’ Mouths Cleaner Than Humans’ Mouths? (https://www.petmd.com/dog/pet-lover/are-dogs-mouths-cleaner-humans-mouths)
