Is the Cleanliness of Dogs' Mouths Compared to Humans' Examined?
Freshened Up: Dog Mouth vs. Human Mouth
Dog's mouths and human mouths have their differences and similarities, just like pals hanging out at a backyard barbecue. Dogs develop tartar like us, and their mouighters benefit from regular brushing. But don't let their fluff or wagging tails fool you; their mouth bacteria ain't exactly human.
So, is a canine's kisser cleaner than ours? To get to the root of it, we corralled several vets for their expert opinions, because understanding our furry friends' oral hygiene is crucial to keeping 'em healthy and happy.
Always have a chit-chat with your own veterinarian about Fido's toothy needs.
A Brief History: Dog Mouth Myths and Legends
Ever heard the tale about dog licks healing wounds? Time-travel back to ancient Egypt and Greece, and you'll find those societies believed the magical properties of doggy drool. Some folks even let their woofers lick their battle scars! While there's a kernel of truth to this, the belief has been blown outta proportion, says Dr. Jeremy Kimmelstiel, the medical director at Bond Vet in NYC. "Sure, dog saliva contains enzymes with potential antibacterial properties, but it ain't no panacea and shouldn't replace proper medical treatment."
Lickin' your doggo's puppy-breath choppers can do more harm than good. "Letting Fido lick your wound can lead to infection, and the bacteria in their mouth could be harmful to little ones, senior citizens, and folks with weak immunity," explains Dr. Don LeHoullier, owner of Countryside Veterinary Clinic in Jefferson, Oregon. Dogs can transmit a bunch of bacterial and viral diseases to us through their saliva, like norovirus, Salmonella, and Staph infections.
The myth of the cleanliness of dog's mouths may have originated from a lack of focus on doggy dental care about 30 to 40 years ago, believes Dr. Amber Karwacki, a partner doc at Heart + Paw's Callowhill location in Philly. "Nowadays, dental care is more of a priority during annual exams, and our recommendations for grooming have changed." (More on that later!)
The Mouthing Match: Canine Teeth vs. Human Teeth
Can we settle this once and for all? So, whose mouth is cleaner: a dog's or ours? Let's compare and contrast these two beastly and human mouths for answers.
The Bacteria Battle
Both species share roughly 600 types of bacteria lurking in their gamuts. Although the microbe counts are similar, scientists say that only about 16.4 percent of 'em are the same between us and our pooches. [1]
One shared bacterium is Porphyromonas, the critter that's usually linked to gum disease. "The difference is that humans have P. gingivalis and dogs have P. gulae," explains Dr. Karwacki.
Because Cavity Polices Ain't a Thing for Dogs
Didja know that dogs are less prone to cavities than we humans? Given that dogs don't brush their teeth as often as we do, this might seem unexpected. But don't underestimate doggy saliva – it's much less acidic than ours, which helps prevent tooth decay. Acid erodes tooth enamel and allows cavities to form.
Additionally, dog choppers are spaced farther apart, which gives 'em fewer nooks for food debris to gather. They also have more conical teeth with fewer pits compared to our teeth. Unsurprisingly, dogs don't chow down on nearly as many sweets as we do, but that helps too!
Keeping it Fresh: Dental Care for Doggos
Dentists advise us to brush and floss daily, and our four-legged friends need a regular brush-down, too. Until they grow wings and start flossing, that's.
Vets advise against flossing a dog's teeth with human dental floss. Not only is it a futile effort, but dental floss can contain xylitol, a toxic substance for pups, and it could cause intestinal blockage if ingested by our canine counterparts.
While water additives formulated for dogs don't help with flossing, they can aid in preventing plaque buildup and freshening up breath by adjusting the pH of canine saliva and slowing down tartar accumulation. Some rinses taste and smell so good that pups don't even know they're on oral-hygiene duty!
A Quick-and-Dirty Clean-Up: Dental Care for Humans
Professional tooth cleanings for our furry friends look and sound a lot like ours. Vets use similar equipment, like polishers, scrapers, and scalers. During the cleaning, X-rays are also taken, just like in a human dental office.
The difference is that dogs need to be knocked out to deal with all that poking and prodding comfortably. Anesthesia reduces stress for Fido and allows the vet team to work more efficiently.
Keepin' It Crunchy: Munching on Doggy Treats
You might've heard that chewing sugar-free gum 20 minutes after chowing down can help prevent decay in your own peepers. For pups, nibbling on appropriate doggie toys and treats can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, says Dr. Kimmelstiel.
Treats like ORAVET® Dental Hygiene Chews provide a one-two punch. Chewing helps dislodge plaque, while the added delmopinol forms a barrier around the teeth to prevent plaque and tartar formation.
But chewing shouldn't replace regular dental care, like brushing and professional cleanings.
Sweet Tooth Watch: Foods with Sugar
Dentists tell us to steer clear of sugary snacks for our own sake, citing cavities and tooth decay as potential consequences. Similarly, vets warn against feeding sugar to our dogs, which could lead to cavities and tooth decay as their saliva can produce acid that's harmful to their teeth with all that saccharine.
Setting the Record Straight: A Verdict from Vets
After all this yakkin', it's tough to call one mouth cleaner than the other, given that we're different species and have different oral heath concerns. "Each has its unique bacteria and dental needs," says Dr. Kimmelstiel. And with an estimated 84 percent of bacteria differences between mouths, we're susceptible to developing different types of diseases and health issues.
Betteridge's law of headlines states that if a statement can be answered by yes or no, it should not be answered. And with that, we leave the question of the cleanliness of doggo mouths open for your own interpretation.
Keeping Your Dog's Mouth Sparkly Clean
Paying attention to your doggo's oral hygiene is essential for ensuring overall health and preventing dental issues. Here's a breakdown of veteran-approved tips to care for your dog's teeth:
Brush Regularly
Regularly brushing your doggo's teeth is crucial for keeping 'em clean and removing plaque. Try to brush every day, but if that ain't possible, a few times a week will still help. Start brushing early on to help your dog get accustomed to the feel of the toothbrush, as pint-sized pups are easier to train than older dogs.
Vets recommend using a toothbrush and toothpaste specially designed for dogs, as human products can be toxic for canines.
Regular Dental Appointments
Schedule routine dental cleanings with your vet to remove tartar buildup and address any underlying issues.
Vet-Recommended Products
If brushing still isn't your doggo's cup of tea, vets recommend dental chews and water additives to help slow down tartar buildup. Although these alternatives can provide some benefit, vets stress that they don't replace regular brushing and cleanings.
Healthy Diet
Provide your doggo with a balanced diet to support both overall health and oral health. Consult a veterinarian for nutrition advice tailored to your dog's needs.
Budgeting for Dental Care
Don't forget to plan for dental care costs, whether through pet insurance, wellness plans, or financing options.
References:[1] "The Canine Oral Microbiome," PLoS One, National Library of Medicine.[…][8] Nutrition and Oral Health, American Dental Association.
Pet insurance plans can help cover the costs of a dog's dental care, including regular cleanings and treatments for performed dental procedures. with a healthy dog's mouth containing a unique mix of bacteria that can lead to different health issues compared to a human's mouth. Ensuring a dog's oral health through regular brushing, dental appointments, and using vet-recommended products can contribute to their overall health and wellness.
