Is a Dog's Mouth Actually Cleaner Than a Human's?

From the idea that George Washington had wooden teeth to the concept that braces make it more likely that you’ll be struck by lightning, there are a lot of oral health-related myths that have been debunked throughout the years. One that continues to prevail, however, is the notion that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. Is it true? Is it false? Let’s find out!

Myth or Fact: A Dog’s Mouth Is Cleaner Than a Human’s Mouth

According to the executive secretary at the American Veterinary Dental College, Colin Harvey, it’s not quite that simple.

Although both dog and human mouths are filled with microbes, there are numerous types of bacteria in your fur friend’s mouth that you won’t find in yours. While that does mean that a big old doggy kiss likely won’t cause you to get sick, there are some important exceptions. For example, if they contract salmonella, they could pass it on to you. For this reason, it’s best to avoid sharing any kisses with your pet if they eat a raw food diet or get into the trash on occasion.

In short, comparing the cleanliness of a dog’s mouth to a human’s mouth is a lot like comparing apples to oranges. It’s just different!

Is Oral Hygiene Important for Dogs?

Yes! Both humans and dogs can develop gum disease and other serious oral health concerns, which is why oral hygiene is equally as important for our pets.

One of the best ways to keep your dog’s chompers healthy is by brushing their teeth regularly. It’s best to introduce this into their routine when they are puppies. That way, it’s an easier adjustment. If you adopted your dog when they were an adult or only recently realized how important it is to clean their teeth, then don’t hesitate to ask their vet for tips. Using a doggy-specific, flavored toothpaste or giving them a delicious treat afterward can help shape the behavior. Just make sure you don’t use any human products since they can contain substances, like xylitol, which can be harmful for your pet.

How to Keep Your Oral Hygiene in Tip-Top Shape

Now that we discussed how to keep your dog’s mouth free of infection, let’s discuss how to do the same for you! From tooth decay to gum disease, oral health concerns are largely preventable with the right best practices in place. With this in mind, make sure to:

• Brush your teeth for a full two minutes each morning and evening (or after each meal)
• Floss and rinse with mouthwash daily
• Visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months
• Avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking, drinking alcohol in excess, and using your teeth as tools
• Eat mostly well-balanced, nutrient-dense meals
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist the moment any unusual symptoms arise, like tooth pain

While the age-old statement that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s may not be true, it’s still of the utmost importance that both are kept free of decay and infection. After all, teeth help break down food so the nutrients inside can be absorbed – no matter what species you are! If you are worried about the state of your dog’s oral health, then don’t hesitate to talk to your vet. And if it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning, then schedule an appointment today.

Unfortunately, if you get dirty looks from people (obviously those without dogs) when your dog licks you, it isn’t exactly accurate to say that your dog’s mouth is cleaner than yours. It’s different! However, you can ignore any stares and feel comfortable getting a kiss from your best friend.