You may have heard that the mouth is the dirtiest place
in the body; this is because saliva contains numerous
microorganisms. Human bites are said to be more
dangerous than a dog bites as it contains more bacteria.
Worldwide there are billions of kisses exchanged by
people each year. The air kiss, casual peck on the cheek
or the cultured kiss on the hand aren’t much of a threat
but a kiss that exchanges saliva from one another is a
different matter.
Viruses That Can Be Transmitted by Kissing
Colds: many viruses cause the common cold. It can
spread by direct contact with the virus, from airborne
droplets, or from direct contact with secretions from the
infected person’s nose and throat.
Infectious Mononucleosis: also known as kissing
disease is caused by Epstein Barr virus. The virus is
spread through saliva and infection occurs through
contact.
Herpes Infection: includes varicella zoster (causes
chicken pox) and herpes simplex (cold sores in mouth).
Herpes is easily spread to others when others when cold
sore blisters are forming or have erupted. The virus is
shed to others from the site of blisters even when they
have healed. So, can you get herpes from kissing: yes.
Hepatitis-B: kissing may also transmit this virus even
though it may be contained in higher levels in blood.
Infection can occur when infected blood and saliva come
into direct contact with someone else’s bloodstream or
mucous membrane. A person may be easily infected if
they have sores in and around the mouth.
Warts: these can spread through kissing especially if in
case of recent trauma. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:
this is caused by Coxsackie virus and is spread through
open sores in the mouth. This infection is common in
kids especially those in day care. It is spread via the fecal
oral route (maybe while changing diapers)
Bacteria That Can Be Transmitted by Kissing
Meningococcal Disease: this is a life threatening
condition which includes meningitis, (inflammation of
the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord)
and septicemia. Studies show that deep kissing seems to
be one of the risk factors.
Tooth Decay: numerous studies indicate that
Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria implicated with
caries is transmissible. Direct contact occurs most
commonly via kissing. Indirect contact occurs though
shared contaminated objects such as eating utensils,
toothbrushes, cups and even toys.
Gum Disease
Since gum diseases are considered the equivalent of
open wounds kissing or having oral sex when you or
your partner had bleeding gums is an invitation for the
transmission of unwanted organisms.
There is no need to give up kissing; while disease causing
bugs can be transferred during a kiss, most won’t cause
the disease and the risk of serious disease is small BUT it
may happen. And it’s not all bad.
Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many
valuable health benefits. For those who are calorie
conscious a 60 second kiss burns 26 calories.
Be conscious to keep your mouth as healthy and germ
free as possible everyday. Make sure your partner takes
preventive actions too so that you can both enjoy those
smooches. Mwaaaah!
Source: WebDental
