Science has proven that 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.
Passionate kisses have health benefits
It’s not several. 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.
What does your kiss mean?
On the forehead: This is to soothe frayed nerves and boost your confidence.
On the cheek: This may not involve any physical attraction but still can transmit affection, love and support.
On the collarbone: A very suggestive and seductive gesture, it means one is ready to get intimate,
On the ears: Most of the time this is a passionate kiss involving all the energy of play and mischief.
On the other hand: Besides love, this tender gesture denotes admiration or thanking someone.
On the lips: Implies passion, and also sends messages of love and wanting to date.
Kiss and a tight hug: This is a full body contact which suggests that both the partners are ready to go to the next level.
Prevention of infection while kissing
There are several 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.
