Perhaps the most universal sign of enamored devotion is the kiss. Young adolescent girls daydream of their very first kiss; newly married couples seal their commitment with a kiss; and steamy make-out sessions on the big screen usually shows at least a little bit of affection. But aside from the obvious pleasures, what else can a kiss achieve?
How about a lot of germs?
The human body contains more bacteria than human cells – about 10 times more. When you think about it, it’s no wonder that kissing always 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.”
Depending on who you ask, are these microorganisms good for us or bad for us?
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. This is especially true for pregnant women as smooching helps women build 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.
Experts have differing ideas about the kiss. The exchange of germs during a kiss is a byproduct, not the intention, believes Dr. Tierno. Instead, Dr. Tierno believes that kissing derived out of the need for parents 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 (thank goodness), various members of the animal kingdom still do, the most obvious example being birds. Obviously, if food is being exchanged from the mouth, so are germs.
Good germs or bad germs?
Most of the bacteria that resides inside and outside of our bodies is totally harmless. And since according to a recent analysis there may be up to 500 different bacteria species on our skin alonewhich is a good thing. As a matter of fact, just one percent of all known bacterial flora are pathogenic. The the rest of the bacteria does no harm. Tierno says, “For the main art of kissing, you do exchange flora. Sometimes it’s bad and sometimes it means nothing.”
Kissing poses a risk, obviously, when you or your partner is sick. 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 smooching your human loved ones, there’s no need to be a germaphobe. Just your your heart as well as your common sense when it comes to showing your affection.