What happens when two person kiss?

Metabolic boost – kissing burns kilojoules. The more passionate the kiss, the greater the metabolic boost. Healthier mouth – saliva contains substances that fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. Deep kissing increases the flow of saliva, which helps to keep the mouth, teeth and gums healthy.

betterhealth.vic.gov.au - Kissing and your health - Better Health Channel

What age is a serious relationship?

That's right - the research found that the average woman finds their life partner at the age of 25, while for men, they're more likely to find...

Last updated May 6, 2019

What makes a man decide to marry you?

Loving someone and feeling safe and fulfilled with them can be an indicator that a committed union, such as marriage, may be in the future....

Last updated Nov 17, 2021

Do you really know who the “One” is? Your true Soulmate?

Promotion

Kissing offers many health benefits, but may also transmit a small number of disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Bacteria and viruses in the saliva or blood of one person can be spread to another person by kissing. Some diseases are more easily spread than others.

How disease is spread

Diseases can be spread from person to person in a number of ways: Droplet spread – infected droplets from the nose and throat can usually travel around one metre before they drop onto a surface. Sometimes infected droplets can also linger in the air. Infection occurs when the infected droplet is inhaled or someone comes into contact with a contaminated surface or object. Airborne spread – some infected particlesfrom the nose and throat can remain in the air for a long time because of their tiny size. They are called droplet nuclei and can be inhaled directly into the lungs.

Viruses that can be transmitted by kissing

Examples of illnesses caused by viruses that can be transmitted during kissing include: Colds – also known as upper respiratory tract infections. Many different viruses can cause the common cold. Colds are thought to be spread by direct contact with the virus. You could catch the cold from airborne droplets or by direct contact with secretions (fluids and mucous) from the infected person’s nose and throat. Glandular fever – also known as the kissing disease. Glandular fever is the common term for a viral infection called infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus is spread through saliva and infection occurs through contact. Herpes infection – viruses that are considered part of the herpes family include Epstein-Barr, varicella-zoster (causes chickenpox) and herpes simplex (causes cold sores). Herpes simplex virus can be spread through direct contact with the virus when kissing. Herpes is most easily spread to others when the blisters are forming or have erupted. The virus can be ‘shed’ (spread to others) from the site of blisters even when they have healed. Chickenpox is easily spread from person to person by direct contact, droplets or airborne spread. Hepatitis B – kissing may also transmit this virus, although blood has higher levels of this virus than saliva. Infection can occur when infected blood and saliva come into direct contact with someone else’s bloodstream or mucous membranes. (Mucous membranes line various body cavities including the mouth and nose.) A person is more likely to be infected when kissing if they have open sores in or around the mouth. Warts – warts in the mouth can be spread through kissing, especially if there are areas of recent trauma.

Bacteria that can be transmitted by kissing

What is Roaching date?

"Roaching is a dating term coined that refers to someone that is sleeping around with many," says Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive...

Last updated Feb 26, 2019

Which country has highest age for marriage?

An analysis of UN data shows that the oldest grooms in the world can be found in Estonia, while the oldest brides live in Slovenia and get married...

Last updated Dec 18, 2018

Promotion

Examples of bacteria that can be transmitted during kissing include:

Meningococcal disease – this is a potentially life-threatening condition which includes meningitis, inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord, and septicaemia. These bacteria can be spread either through direct contact or via droplets. Studies show that, with respect to kissing, only deep kissing seems to be a risk factor. Tooth decay – the bacteria that cause tooth decay aren’t found in the mouths of newborn babies. A baby’s mouth must be colonised with infected saliva, which can be passed by a kiss on the lips.

Keep it in perspective

There is no need to give up kissing for the sake of your health and that of your loved ones. While disease-causing bugs can be transferred during a kiss, most won’t cause disease and the risk of serious disease is very small.

Prevention of infection while kissing

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of passing on, or catching, an infection while kissing. You should try to:

Avoid kissing when you or the other person is sick.

Avoid kissing anyone on the lips when you, or they, have an active cold sore, warts or ulcers around the lips or in the mouth.

Maintain good oral hygiene.

Cough and sneeze into a hanky if you have a cold.

See your doctor about immunisations. Vaccines are available to prevent some infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, hepatitis B and group C meningococcal infection.

Passionate kisses have health benefits

It’s not all doom and gloom. Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits, including: Emotional bonding – kissing your partner is a fun, pleasurable and important part of physical intimacy and helps maintain a sense of togetherness and love. Stress reduction – kissing your partner, either tenderly or passionately, releases calming brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that reduce stress levels and soothe the mind. Foreplay – deep kissing your partner can lead to sexual intercourse. Various studies show that sex enhances a person’s physical and mental health. For example, regular sex is protective against stress and depression. Metabolic boost – kissing burns kilojoules. The more passionate the kiss, the greater the metabolic boost. Healthier mouth – saliva contains substances that fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. Deep kissing increases the flow of saliva, which helps to keep the mouth, teeth and gums healthy. Increased immunity – exposure to germs that inhabit your partner’s mouth strengthens your immune system.

Where to get help

betterhealth.vic.gov.au - Kissing and your health - Better Health Channel

Do I like her or am I just obsessed?

If you're falling in love, prepare for butterflies and excitement. However, if you're still distracted and completely wrapped up in someone after...

Last updated Jan 27, 2022

Do soulmates always marry each other?

Love requires more. You may not always get a lifetime with your soul mate because when you encounter him or her, you're not prepared to be a soul...

Last updated Feb 16, 2019

Promotion

What outfit do guys like on first date?

For men, try a basic t-shirt or button-up with jeans or chinos styled with a belt, dressy shoes, and a nice watch. For women, go with a little...

Last updated Jun 5, 2019

Promotion

Is true love unconditional?

The best way to sum up the difference between the two is this: True love is a (sometimes fleeting) feeling, whereas unconditional love is an active...

Last updated Sep 18, 2021