Study Reveals: Smooching Your Pooch Can Cause Gum Disease

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!