A short time ago, a colleague told me a rather comical story, featuring a dog and his mistress. I had never stopped the behaviors that men sometimes have with their pets (which can cause dental infections). I think it’s worth telling you so that you, in turn, inform people around you who have similar behavior. Have you ever seen people around you who love their dog so much that they take it for a baby? They give them kisses on the muzzle and like to be licked on the face as a sign of affection. If you know this type of person, it is good to know that this behavior can bring problems in your mouth.
The best friend of the man (and the dental assistant)
My colleague’s dental assistant had a strong smell that came out of her breath. It made everyone around her uncomfortable. Since it was not in his habit and had been going on for a few days, he talked to her alone to find out if anything had changed in her dental hygiene.
According to her, nothing! On the other hand, after the discussion, he discovered that she had adopted a puppy. He asked her if she let the puppy lick her in the face, and the answer was positive. My colleague diagnosed an infection in her mouth and had to prescribe antibiotics to her and her partner. He immediately linked the cause of the dental infection to the brand new baby dog.
The saliva of the dog, an antiseptic?
According to popular belief, dog saliva has antiseptic or healing properties. Do not forget that the dog stuffs his muzzle everywhere and uses his tongue to wash his behind! Dog saliva contains bacteria and viruses. Bacteria are contagious and transmissible organisms. It is their way of survival: to multiply to survive and to reign.
Of affection, not of infection!
If you cuddle and kiss, like a baby, your dog several times a day, and you let him lick your mouth, the bacteria in it can come into contact with your saliva and multiply in your mouth. Whether you have natural teeth or implants, these bacteria can wreak havoc if left untreated. For example, the gingiva can come off natural teeth or implants and create periodontitis (gum disease) or peri-implantitis (detachment of the gum attach around the implant). Symptoms of infection include redness around natural teeth or implants and bad breath. If this persists, you may need medication to treat the infection. Avoiding a dental infection from your dog’s saliva is simple enough eventually; do not let it lick your face! For my part, I have never had a clinical case, but if I see this type of symptom in one of my patients, I will not forget to ask him if he has a dog!