Are Dogs Mouth Cleaner Than Humans?
The answer is NO!! It is a myth with no proof. A dog‘s mouth may look cleaner because of its white teaths, but it is not cleaner than humans‘.
You can say that humans and dogs have the same cleanliness because of the bacteria they both have in their mouths.
Key Points
In this Article:
1. Similarities of Dog and human mouth
2. Cleanliness
This table of contents is an easy way to explore the article.
Similarities
Some reasons prevent us from saying, “Dog mouth is cleaner than me“, These reasons are:
1. Microbes:
Both dogs and humans have mouth microbiomes consisting of hundreds of different types of bacteria. However, the specific types of bacteria present in both species differ.
So, humans and dogs have different types of bacteria in their mouths.
2. Human Oral Microbes:
Human mouths typically contain bacteria such as Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Neisseria.
These bacteria are essential for maintaining oral health but can also contribute to dental issues such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease if proper hygiene isn‘t maintained.
There are around 615 different varieties of bacteria in humans‘ mouths.
3. Dog Oral Microbes:
Dogs have bacteria different from humans, including Porphyromonas, Neisseria (different strains from humans), and Actinomyces.
Interestingly, some bacteria can harm humans if transmitted through bites or dog licks, potentially leading to infections.
There are around 600 different varieties of bacteria in dogs‘ mouths. Using Jojoba Oil for their skin can reduce the risk of dangerous bacteria.
The number of different varieties of bacteria and dogs were found by AKC.
Visual Representation
This table represents the difference between the bacteria in the dogs‘ and human mouths.
| Feature | Human | Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Common Bacteria | Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Neisseria | Porphyromonas, Neisseria (different strains than those in humans), and Actinomyces. |
| Role of Bacteria | Essential for oral health but can cause dental issues if not managed. | Some bacteria help prevent overgrowth of harmful microbes, but some can be pathogenic to humans. |
| Oral Hygiene Practices | Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. | Chewing toys and dental treats; occasional tooth brushing and veterinary dental check-ups. |
| Saliva Composition | Contains enzymes like lysozyme, lactoferrin, and peroxidase, which help break down food and kill bacteria. | Contains antibacterial components but is not necessarily more effective than human saliva. |
| Prevalence of Dental Diseases | Common issues include cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. | Up to 80% of dogs over the age of three experience periodontal disease. |
Cleanliness
Proper cleanliness is required, even if it‘s a dog‘s mouth or a human‘s.
1. Hygiene Practices:
Humans typically have rigorous oral hygiene routines, including brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental check–ups.
These practices are designed to minimize harmful bacteria, remove plaque, and prevent oral diseases.
Dogs, however, do not naturally clean their teeth like humans. While some pet owners brush their dogs‘ teeth, this is not a universal practice.
Instead, dogs rely on chewing toys or dental treats to help reduce plaque.
Despite these efforts, many dogs still suffer from dental diseases, with an estimated 80% of dogs over the age of three experiencing some form of periodontal disease.
You can see more hygiene practices at Broad Street Vet.
2. Saliva and its Role:
Both human and dog saliva have antibacterial properties that help maintain oral health.
Human saliva contains enzymes like lysozyme, lactoferrin, and peroxidase, which help break down food particles and kill bacteria.
Dog saliva has some antibacterial components, but it’s not necessarily more effective than human saliva in keeping the mouth clean.
Conclusion
The idea that a dog‘s mouth is cleaner than a human‘s is more myth than reality.
Both dogs and humans have mouths teeming with bacteria, and cleanliness largely depends on individual hygiene practices and health status.
While dogs‘ and humans‘ oral microbiomes differ, neither can be considered inherently cleaner. What matters most is our care in maintaining oral health for ourselves and our furry friends.
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