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Just How Safe is that Kiss?

Possibly the kiss is the most universal sign of enamored affection. Adolescent girls dream of their very first kiss; newly married couples seal their commitment with a kiss; and sexy make-out sessions on the big screen usually signify at least some level of affection. But aside from the obvious pleasures, what else can a kiss achieve?

Maybe a Lot of Germs?

The human body contains more bacteria than human cells – about 10 times more. It’s no surprise that kissing involves swapping germs. Dr. Philip M. Tierno, Jr., Director of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at NYU Langone Medical Center says, “Kissing really has a purpose, and in doing so, there is an exchange of microorganisms.”  

But are these microorganisms good for us or bad for us? It depends on who you ask.
 
A team of British scientists did a study in 2009 and found that the intimate act of smooching partly stems from an evolutionary driving force designed to build up the immune system. For pregnant women this is especially true as kissing helps women develop an immunity to cytomegalovirus – a virus that can cause a great deal of harm to an unborn fetus. “Female inoculation with a specific male’s cytomegalovirus is most efficiently achieved through mouth-to-mouth contact and saliva exchange, particularly where the flow of saliva is from the male … to the female,” states Dr. Colin Hendrie, medical researcher.

Other experts have differing ideas about the kiss.  The exchange of germs during a kiss is a byproduct, not the intention, believes Dr. Tierno. Rather, Tierno believes that kissing originated out parents needed to feed their young. “Early humans, they knew nothing about the immune system, yet they were kissing. It originated by most authorities, from the direct mouth-to-mouth regurgitation of food.”

Gross.

Though humans no longer feed infants in this manner, various members of the animal kingdom still do, the most obvious example being birds.  So, if food is coming from the mouth, so are the germs.

Good germs or bad germs?

Most of the bacteria that resides inside and outside out bodies is completely harmless.  And since according to a recent analysis there can be up to 500 different bacteria species on our skin alone, and that’s a good thing. Actually, just one percent of all known bacterial flora are pathogenic. The rest do no harm. Tierno says, “For the main art of kissing, you do exchange flora. Sometimes it’s bad and sometimes it means nothing.”

When you or your partner is sick, kissing could possibly pose a risk . Even though very few illnesses are transferred through “deep kissing,” germs that cause strep throat, mono, and herpes can spread through kissing. Also, it is recommended that kissing should be avoided if either partner has lesions or sores in and on the mouth.

By the way, even though you may think it goes without saying, never kiss your pets on the mouth.  Dogs can carry pathogenic bacteria, worms, and fungi in their mouth. Cat kisses are even more risky. There are healthier ways to show your furry friends your affection.

But when it comes to kissing your human loved ones, there’s no need to be a germaphobe. Just use your common sense as well as your heart when it comes to showing your affection.

Tags: kiss, kisses, kisses and germs, smooch, smooching, truth about kissing and germs