Week 4 - Dog's Mouth vs. Human's Mouth: Which is Cleaner?

This week we will be discussing the myth that has been around for centuries...a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's.  Although this myth has seemed to withstand the test of time...is there now evidence that will bust this myth?  The answer is yes!  Throughout our classes, we study bacteria, the different shapes it comes in, as well as the effects it can possibly have on living things.  At this same time, we have also been learning that our bodies need bacteria in order to survive.  Although some bacteria are bad, there are good/helpful bacteria that our bodies need, too.  Well, just like we need bacteria, so do our dogs.

In fact, the bacteria humans contain are completely different from that of a dog.  Therefore, according to the article below, scientific research has concluded that comparing the cleanliness of a dog's mouth to a human's mouth is just like comparing apples and oranges.  "Although there’s a vast overlap of bacteria in the mouths of both species, Harvey considers the question of which one is cleaner to be irrelevant because a) both are teeming with microbes, and b) in many cases, a dog’s dental bacteria differ from their human counterparts" (Jiang, 2012).

In addition, "One of the rumors related to the cleanliness of a dog’s mouth is the idea that human bites are more infectious than dog bites. However, this too doesn’t hold up to scrutiny...the danger of both human and dog bites depends on the kinds of bacteria in the mouth and the depth of the wound" (Jiang, 2012).  Therefore, do you believe this evidence will finally put this myth to rest?  Why or why not?

Now that we have this myth "busted", the article below mentions several interesting types of bacteria.  For example, Porphyromonas is a family of rod-shaped bacteria known for causing gum disease.  What is the scientific shape of this bacteria?  Research another type of bacteria, whether from humans or dogs, and describe the shape, cause, and side effects it may have.

Is a Dog's Mouth Cleaner Than a Human's?: Click Here to Find Out