Quantcast
Channel: Dr. Ernie Ward | America's Pet Advocate » ocean isle
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Can Kissing Canines Cause Cavities?

0
0

A recent study published in Archives of Oral Biology (that sounds exciting!) concluded that dogs and people could transmit oral bacteria back and forth. These bacteria can potentially cause both gum disease and tooth decay in both humans and canines. Does this mean you should stop smooching your pooch?

The answer is: probably not. The study evaluated 64 Japanese families with dogs. 66 dogs and 81 human family members were studied. Researchers looked for the most common pathogenic oral bacteria found in both dogs and people. If they identified a primarily canine bacterium in a human, it was assumed the dog passed it to the human. Same went for human-to-dog transmission.

They then asked to families to rate their level of “closeness” with their dogs. AKA “do you cuddle, canoodle, or snuggle with your furry friend?” No funny business; just your normal hugging, holding, and, yes, the occasional peck. I’m happy to admit that I’ve kissed a LOT of dogs in my over twenty years of veterinary practice. I would be considered to have “close contact” with my dogs. The families were assigned to one of three “contact” groups: high, moderate, and little or no contact with their dogs. No, I can’t relate to that last group, either. Poor dogs.

The researchers found all of the human bacteria in both dogs and humans. The most common human bacteria were found in highest levels in the dogs with the most reported human contact. Makes sense to me. Human-to-dog transmission. But what about dog-to-human?

Turns out your mutt can mix bugs with those licks. An oral bacterium rarely found in humans but more common in dogs was found in 13 owners, including two of the “little or no contact” families. Maybe those two didn’t reveal everything about their relationships with Rover-ishi?

The study ended by stating that dogs and humans can transmit oral bacteria to each other, even in low-contact relationships. It should be noted that these bacteria weren’t shown to cause any additional harm to either dogs or humans. The primary concern is that these bacteria could lead to increased gum infection or cavities in either people or pets.

If you choose to peck your poodle, I’d suggest both parties brush well. We know from countless studies that a cleaner mouth contains fewer oral bacteria. So brush, rub, swish, and swirl your pet’s mouth if you live in a close-contact home such as mine.

My recommendation on kissing your pets after reading this study: keep doing what you’re doing. I plan on hugging and loving as many pet patients as possible. If you notice me suggesting better oral care for your pet, I now have additional research to back me up. If you’re immunocompromised, undergoing chemotherapy or irradiation, or have a pre-existing oral condition, talk with your physician and veterinarian about minimizing any potential risks. Everyone should talk with their vet about techniques to keep those bacteria in your pet’s mouth to a minimum. Brushing and oral rinses are still your best options. Pucker up with your pup after brushing up!

And no, I don’t think you will get cavities from kissing your canine…


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images