Wondering ‘How Clean Is A Dog’s Mouth?’ Maybe you’re curious whether a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s mouth, or if dog saliva is sterile? Despite the age-old myth, dogs do not have clean mouths or sterile saliva. A dog’s unique oral microbiome comprises a diverse range of dental bacteria, including some that are harmless and others that are potentially dangerous to humans. You can help keep your pup’s mouth clean at home and help prevent future decay or disease by implementing a daily dental hygiene routine that includes using a dog toothbrush and dog friendly toothpaste, as well as a dog dental powder and dental sticks.
In this article, we answer the question “How clean is a dog’s mouth?” and explore how pet owners can maintain their pup’s oral hygiene at home. We also consider when you need to seek a vet’s help with keeping your pup’s mouth clean, and what behaviors to discourage in your dog to prevent germ transference, such as excessive licking of their humans.
Table of Contents: Do Dogs Have Clean Mouths?
- Do Dogs Have Clean Mouths?
- Do Dogs Have the Cleanest Mouths of Any Animal?
- Is a Dog’s Mouth Cleaner Than a Human’s?
- Is a Dog’s Mouth Cleaner Than a Toilet?
- Are Dogs’ Tongues Clean?
- Is Dog Saliva Clean?
- Can You Get Sick from a Dog’s Mouth?
- Is It Safe to Let a Dog Lick Your Face?
- How Important is Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth?
- What a Vet Says About How To Clean a Dog’s Mouth
- Do Dogs Have Clean Mouths – Helpful Information Sources
- Conclusion: How Clean Is a Dog’s Mouth Really?
Do Dogs Have Clean Mouths?
Many dog owners think their pups’ mouths are clean, even sterile, but our pups’ mouths are certainly not germ-free. A canine’s mouth is teeming with over 600 different types of bacteria, including harmless organisms and potentially dangerous pathogens. This makes sense when you think about it – dogs often chew on bones, sniff feces, lick wounds and eat grass, among lots of other unsanitary activities!
Your dog explores the world using their mouth, which exposes them to many contaminants. So, while your pup’s oral microbiome is naturally balanced for them, a dog’s mouth is not clean, nor is their tongue or saliva. Pet germs and bacteria are different from those of humans, but don’t worry – a lick or two here and there won’t hurt you!
Do Dogs Have the Cleanest Mouths of Any Animal?
The myth that dogs have the cleanest mouths of all animals has been around for decades, but there is no scientific evidence to support it, and the idea is misleading. It likely stems from loving pet owners observing how their dogs lick wounds to promote healing and mistakenly thinking this means that their pet’s mouth is clean. While the act of licking does remove dirt and debris from wounds, this doesn’t mean that your pup’s mouth is clean or germ-free.
In fact, pups’ mouths are not cleaner than the mouths of other animals. Canines are particularly prone to developing bacterial infections and diseases, such as periodontal disease, which is preventable with a good daily oral hygiene routine. However, if left untreated, it can lead to bad breath, plaque and tartar build-up, and red or bleeding gums over time.
So, no, dogs do not have cleaner mouths than other animals.
Is a Dog’s Mouth Cleaner Than a Human’s Mouth?
It’s difficult to directly compare a pup’s mouth to a human’s mouth because our oral microbiomes are very different, and we pick up different bacteria based on our environment and diet. While there is some overlap in types of bacteria between species, each has its oral ecosystem – both dogs and humans have around 600 different types of bacteria in our mouths, some of which come from the same bacterial family but are distinct. For instance, periodontal disease in both humans and dogs is caused by a bacterial family called Porphyromonas. However, in humans, the actual bacteria involved is P. gingivalis, and in dogs, it is P. gulae.
Because most of the bacteria carried in your pooch’s mouth are not zoonotic, humans are less likely to get a bacterial infection or disease from getting licked on the mouth by a dog than they are by sharing a kiss with another human who has an infection, but that’s just because our germs are mostly incompatible. It doesn’t mean that a pooch’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s.
A dog’s mouth is not cleaner than a human’s mouth; it’s simply different. Neither is sterile.
Is a Dog’s Mouth Cleaner Than a Toilet?
No, your pup’s mouth is not necessarily cleaner than a toilet. While a typical household toilet can harbor a variety of potentially harmful bacteria, including E. coli, staphylococcus, and streptococcus, most toilets are cleaned regularly with disinfectants, while many dog owners don’t brush their pup’s teeth or use dog dental hygiene products regularly to help keep their pup’s mouth clean.
There’s no denying that dogs have unhygienic habits, like eating out of the trash or licking themselves to remove dirt and mud from their body or paws. And they pick up bacteria from things they eat, lick or come into contact with, like mud, grass, or last Thursday’s leftover pizza from the trash.
Dogs chew:
- Shoes
- Animal remains
- Dead insects
- Feces (yep, some dogs do this, known as coprophagia)
This exposes them to bacteria and parasites. So, in practice, a dog’s mouth is not cleaner than a toilet. It’s best to think of your pooch’s mouth as naturally “dirty,” not dangerous, but not sparkling clean.
Are Dogs’ Tongues Clean?
No, dogs’ tongues are not clean, unless their humans clean their tongues for them using a dog toothbrush, toothpaste and dental hygiene products. Keeping your pet’s mouth healthy and clean will require ongoing maintenance at-home and annual visits to the vet, for professional cleanings.
In fact, dogs’ tongues are covered in microscopic grooves that harbor bacteria, food particles, and dirt. Your pooch uses their tongue for lots of different reasons – to regulate their temperature (panting), show affection to other dogs or humans (licking) and to remove dirt or debris from their bodies, as well as to eat a wide variety of bacteria-harboring things like mud, dirt, grass, trash and other dogs’ poops.
Studies show:
- Dog tongues can transmit fungi, parasites, and bacteria
- Licking can lead to “lick granulomas” (irritated skin patches)
- Licking wounds can delay healing if bacteria enter the site
So, no, a dog’s tongue is not clean and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for soap and water!
Is Dog Saliva Clean?
Many dog owners assume that their dog’s saliva is clean or even healing. But while dog spit contains enzymes that help break down food and minor antibacterial agents, it’s far from sterile.
Dog saliva has been linked to:
- Skin infections in humans after licks or dog bites
- Oral health issues in dogs, if not managed
- Transference of bacteria into the bloodstream if licked into a wound
So, no, dog saliva is not clean. It is biologically functional, but not hygienic.
Canine saliva does contain some antimicrobial proteins, but it also harbors harmful bacteria like:
- Capnocytophaga canimorsus
- Pasteurella multocida
- Porphyromonas gulae
These bacteria can cause infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Can You Get Sick from a Dog’s Mouth?
Yes, but it’s not common for contact with a dog’s saliva to make humans sick. In rare instances, humans can get sick from the bacteria in a dog’s mouth, especially through:
- Dog bites (most common transmission)
- Open wounds or mucous membrane exposure (eyes, nose, mouth)
- Face licking, especially if you have cuts, acne, or weakened immunity
Infections that may result:
- Capnocytophaga infections (can lead to sepsis)
- Pasteurella (cellulitis or respiratory issues)
- Staphylococcus (including MRSA, in rare cases)
It’s important to be aware of the risks of prolonged exposure to dog saliva, but you shouldn’t let this impact showing your dog affection and being responsive to their need for human touch.
While we don’t recommend letting a dog lick your face or repeatedly lick the same area of skin, healthy adults are generally fine with a few licks every now and again – it’s how your dog says “I love you”! Still, extra caution is essential for children, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
Is It Safe to Let a Dog Lick Your Face?
Generally, it’s not considered dangerous, but it’s also not recommended, especially for children, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems. Saliva from a dog licking your nose, eyes, or mouth can transmit harmful bacteria, as can saliva transferred from a dog bite.
Pro tip: Always wash your hands and face if your pup’s been affectionate!
How Important is Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth?
It’s very important to implement a daily toothbrushing routine for your dog and to make sure you are using a good quality dog toothbrush and toothpaste to brush your pet’s teeth and keep their mouth free from tartar, prevent gum recession, and avoid plaque build-ups. You can also use dog dental sticks and other canine oral hygiene products to help keep their smile sparkling white and their breath nice and fresh.
How to Keep a Dog’s Mouth Clean
Keeping your dog’s mouth clean is important for preventing bad breath, gum disease, and even heart issues. Here are a few simple ways to keep your pet’s mouth clean:
Daily Care
- Brush teeth with enzyme-based dog toothpaste
- Use a vet-recommended toothbrush
Chews and Treats
- Choose high-quality dental chews that support healthy teeth & gums while promoting fresh breath, like PetLab Co.’s Dental Sticks for Dogs
- Avoid rawhide (it can damage teeth and cause choking)
Water Additives
- Use water solution, like PetLab Co.’s Dog Dental Formula
Vet Visits
- Schedule annual dental cleanings for your dog at the vet, even if you regularly brush their teeth at home. Only a vet can clean a dog’s mouth to a professional standard. It’s easy to miss spots at the back of the mouth, even if your dog is as good as gold during a toothbrushing session. A regular dental checkup can help alert you to signs of dental disease early and prevent more significant problems later on.
What a Vet Says About How To Clean a Dog’s Mouth
Veterinarians often witness the consequences of poor dental hygiene in dogs, ranging from gum disease and tooth loss to severe infections that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. So, what do they recommend when it comes to maintaining oral health?
Expert Insight from Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, DVM
“Dog dental products are used to freshen breath and reach areas of the mouth that are difficult to access with a toothbrush. You should brush your four legged-friend’s teeth daily to ensure their smile stays tartar-free. A professional dental cleaning is the best way to address existing dental problems in dogs.”
– Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, Veterinary Dental Specialist
Dr. Koehler emphasizes that regular at-home care paired with professional veterinary cleanings is essential to keeping your pooch’s mouth clean and healthy, especially because dogs can’t tell us when something’s wrong.
Essentials for Doggy Oral Care
Here’s what your vet is likely to recommend for routine maintenance:
- Daily Tooth Brushing: Use a vet-approved toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste (never human toothpaste) to clean your pet’s teeth daily, and help prevent tooth pain, discomfort or disease.
- Dental Chews: Select high-quality dog dental sticks for proven plaque and tartar control.
- Regular Oral Exams: Your vet should examine your pup’s mouth at least once a year. Take your dog for a dental appointment on a regular basis, so that your vet can look out for signs of periodontal disease like red gums, loose teeth, or excessive drooling during a thorough oral examination.
- Professional Cleanings: Performed under anesthesia, these cleanings reach below the gumline where most damage occurs. Depending on your dog’s age and breed, these visits may be recommended annually or every other year.
Do Dogs Have Clean Mouths – Helpful Information Sources
These helpful resources expand on the question “Do dogs have clean mouths?” with evidence-based insights from veterinary professionals:
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Pet Dental Care: A thorough guide on why proper dental care is essential for dogs and how bacteria in the mouth can lead to disease.
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Dog Dental Disease: Cornell’s veterinary experts explain how oral bacteria affect canine health and what owners can do to intervene early.
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Dog Teeth Cleaning & Dental Care: This article outlines how dirty a dog’s mouth can get without intervention and offers actionable steps to keep it clean.
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – Dog Teeth Cleaning: How to Clean Dog Teeth: Practical, veterinarian-reviewed tips for daily dental hygiene routines, including the truth about dog saliva and oral bacteria.
These links serve as excellent references for readers questioning how clean a dog’s mouth really is, and what comprehensive dental care involves for long-term health.
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Conclusion: How Clean Is a Dog’s Mouth Really?
- Dog mouths are not cleaner than human mouths; that’s a myth.
- They contain bacteria unique to canines, some of which can harm humans.
- Dog saliva isn’t sterile and can transmit infections, especially via bites or licks to wounds.
- It’s best to avoid face licking and keep your pooch’s mouth clean with regular care.
- Maintain good oral hygiene through brushing, dental sticks, and vet checkups. Take your dog in for a dental appointment with your vet at least once per year, and maintain good oral hygiene at home with regular toothbrushing and dog dental care products.
- This is the best way to maintain a clean and healthy mouth for your four legged-friend.
