You could be putting yourself in great danger of a deadly diseases by
engaging in a kiss with someone especially people you don’t know so
well.
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!
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