are dogs tongues clean

Dogs' tongues and mouths are not clean in the sense that they harbor bacteria, just like human mouths do. While dogs have a different and diverse microbiome in their mouths, containing around 600 species of bacteria, it is not cleaner than a human mouth, which has a similar number of bacterial species. Dogs also tend to pick up bacteria from licking various objects that humans would consider dirty. Both dogs and humans can develop dental diseases caused by bacteria, such as periodontal disease. So, dogs' tongues are not inherently clean, and their mouths contain many bacteria, some of which can cause oral health issues for dogs themselves. However, most bacteria in dogs' mouths are not harmful to humans. Regular dental care for dogs is important to maintain their oral health.