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They say a dog is man’s best friend, but a new study shows that getting too up close and personal with your furriest family members could be detrimental to your oral health.
A special report in the Archives for Oral Biology found that kissing your dog may lead to tooth decay and gum disease in both humans and canines.
The Daily Mail reported, when Japanese researchers analyzed the germs from 50 dogs and their owners, they found that a potentially harmful oral microbe normally found only in dogs, but not in humans, was discovered in the mouths of 16% of owners. Likewise, oral microbes normally found only in human mouths were found in their dogs.
These microbes can cause gum disease, or periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the mouth tissue. In fact, a strikingly high number of dogs suffer from periodontitis, making the chances of humans contracting it from their dogs much higher than anyone that loves sweet puppy kisses would like to admit.
Veterinarians say proper oral health for both you can your dog can greatly reduce the risk of gum disease in you both. Regular brushing, flossing, and annual teeth cleanings minimize the risk.
If you want to keep those kisses coming, better keep brushing! Not quite sure how to brush your dog’s teeth? This article will show you how – it’s easier than you might think!
Kim
says:I wonder if those who shared bacteria provided routine and daily oral care for the poochies? And, has hard as this is to think of, themselves?
LORDIE…..LOL LOL…….WHAT ELSE CAN GO,WRONG!!!!lol
Karen
says:So right Beth. I love my furry little girl a lot, but I know where else that tongue has been. Kisses on the chin only please!
Beth
says:Well geez what kind of kisses are we talking about here? I only kiss my pups on the top of their heads or sometimes on the side of their face. My girl loves to lick our faces but we don’t let her lick our mouths.