How many times have you heard that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s? Like many other old sayings, there’s a lot more to this one. So read on more to find out – is the human mouth cleaner than a dog’s mouth?
Some people argue that dogs have cleaner mouths because they have fewer germs. Others think a dog’s mouth is cleaner because they lick wounds to heal them faster (which works, to a degree).
Let’s take a look at both arguments and see if we can figure out once and for all who has the cleaner mouth!
Read more: Is Nail Biting Bad for Teeth?
How Many Germs: Human Mouth vs. Canine Mouth
It’s difficult to answer this question because everybody is different. Dogs may have fewer germs in their mouth, but we don’t just worry about the number of germs.
Think about it this way, when you brush your teeth, do you just scrub away germs? No, you also remove food debris and bacteria. How healthy do you think you’d be if you only removed germs?
Even if a dog has fewer germs in their mouth than you do, this is not the best way to determine if their mouth is cleaner. Excluding the existence of other debris and bacteria makes the first argument problematic.
People Germs vs. Dog Germs
A better approach to answering this question may be the type of germs found in the mouth. We also want to expand our research to include debris and bacteria.
Dogs and people have different types of germs in their mouths. Not all dog germs are compatible with humans, and the same goes for the reverse.
Remember, there are some diseases that only dogs can contract and others that only humans catch. However, some germs pass back-and-forth between us and our canine companions. Transmittable germs can have different effects on us and them.
Speaking of transmission, one lick can transfer more than germs to your mouth. It can also transfer foreign bacteria that can make you sick.
Further, dogs eat a lot of things we don’t (like cat litter and bunny poop). Do you really want to share those extras with your furry friend? Not likely.
Read more: Keeping your tongue healthy
Whose Mouth is Cleaner?
So is the human mouth cleaner than a dog’s mouth? At the end of the day, it’s pretty difficult to answer this question one way or the other. The truth is germs and bacteria can lead to dental problems for you and your furry companion. To keep those comforting kisses safe for you both, it’s important to maintain a good oral health routine.
Part of a good oral care routine for humans includes professional teeth cleanings. Your dental team can identify any potential issues early on and prevent trouble for you and your pooch. If you’re due for a cleaning, book an appointment with Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics.
