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Everyone who loves dogs has probably told us that dogs have the cleanest mouths. It might not be true, but it probably does make them feel better after giving their pet slobbery kisses or sharing their cereal bowl. Researchers have been diligently identifying and cataloging the microorganisms found in the mouths of dogs, cats, and humans. Their research’s conclusions have demonstrated that this long-held notion might not be entirely accurate.
Researchers claim that it might be impossible to determine whether dogs’ mouths are more hygienic than people’s. This is due to the fact that the microbes discovered in dog saliva differ more than 80% from what has been discovered in human mouths. Floyd Dewhirst, a bacterial geneticist and Harvard professor, claims that only 15% of the bacteria found in dogs are also found in humans. Does this mean that dogs have the cleanest mouth?.
It should come as no surprise that the cat appears to have a cleaner mouth than a dog. The microbe in a cat’s mouth is easier to compare to that of a dog than it is with a human. It has been observed that approximately 2050% of the bacteria present in the mouths of dogs can also be found in the mouths of cats. But compared to dogs, which had 600 different types of bacteria, cats only had about 200. That means that, if numbers are the only factor taken into account, a dog’s mouth is dirtier than a cat’s.
Not exactly. According to some reports, the mouths of both humans and dogs are home to about 600 different types of bacteria. According to scientists, the amount varies depending on the mouth’s environment and the items that are placed inside. It’s difficult to say who has the cleanest mouth because dogs and humans both have the same amount of bacteria in their mouths. The fact that the bacteria in both human and canine mouths can benefit them and the ways in which their bodies function is even more fascinating. This implies that the term “cleaner” in this instance is somewhat arbitrary, akin to, say, comparing apples and oranges.
The question is simple but the answer is not. Both the bacteria in a dog’s mouth and the bacteria in a human mouth are advantageous to humans. This indicates that neither of their mouths is particularly dirty, but rather that they are both operating normally. What exactly constitutes a clean mouth anyway? Some people think that a mouth that is free of bacteria is clean, or that a mouth that has just been brushed, but a mouth devoid of bacteria can cause illness in both humans and dogs.
Myth: Dog Saliva Can Help Heal Wounds
Normal mouth bacteria are not the same across species. Nor are they the same between mouth and skin in the same species. When dogs lick a wound, it’s actually the physical act of removing dead tissue and environmental bacteria that does the healing. It is a bad idea to let your dog lick your open wound. The risk of infection from mouth bacteria is greater than any benefit. If you have a wound, wash it well and keep it protected from the environment. Let your pet help you heal with cuddles instead.
The type of bacteria in a dog’s mouth is not the same kind that lives on human skin. This is also true for cats. Cat mouths are notoriously dirty and their bite can cause serious infections—both in humans and other cats. If you get bit by a cat, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention. If your cat gets in a fight with another cat, have a veterinarian check him or her over for wounds. Cats’ sharp teeth deposit bacteria deep into skin where it festers and infection can spread.
The good news: If you are healthy, regular interaction with your pets is not only safe but can actually improve your health. In general, it is a good idea to wash your hands after playing with your pet, especially before cooking or eating.
FAQ
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