Dogs do not have the cleanest mouths compared to humans or other animals. While both dog and human mouths contain billions of bacteria, the kinds of bacteria differ, with dogs having about 600 different species and humans about 615 and counting. This means dogs' mouths are not cleaner, just different in bacterial composition, and both can harbor bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Additionally, some bacteria in dog mouths can cause infections if transferred to humans, making dog saliva not necessarily safe for wounds or bites. Ultimately, the idea that dogs have cleaner mouths is a myth.