What are the most frequent microorganisms in salivary exchange?

In just ten seconds during a kiss, 80 million bacteria can be exchanged, and there can be more than 700 different types of bacteria in the mouth. It is estimated that there is an average of 100 million bacteria per millilitre of saliva in the oral cavity. 

There are up to 600 different species that vary from person to person, depending on many environmental factors. Bacteria from the genera Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Fusobacterium are mainly found in the mouth of a healthy person and are the most common. 

Couples who kiss, on average, nine times a day have a very similar bacterial composition, and despite this, scientists say that these microorganisms help to strengthen the immune system.

 

 

 What health aspects of kissing are unknown?

Not everything is perfect when we kiss; diseases can be transmitted through salivary exchanges.

Diseases that can be transmitted through kissing are mostly infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can be transmitted through saliva or droplets of saliva, such as flu, mononucleosis, herpes, chickenpox, mumps, candidiasis, and syphilis.

Although these diseases are generally short-lived and heal over time, in some people, complications can occur, such as the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.

Therefore, it is important to take measures to help prevent the transmission of diseases and, if necessary, to undergo treatment as directed by a doctor.

 

 

Why is good oral health and breath a priority?

 

Good oral hygiene helps maintain beautiful and healthy teeth. If oral health is compromised, various medical interventions may be necessary. Poor oral hygiene can lead to complications in the mouth, particularly gum disease or tooth decay.

This also leads to halitosis, commonly known as bad breath.

Oral causes can be related to various aspects, such as:

Poor oral hygiene, presence of cavities, gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis), oral ulcerations, oral infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), dental prostheses associated with poor oral hygiene, decreased salivary flow, and oral cancer.

Bacteria are found throughout the oral cavity; however, the tongue seems to form an ideal ecosystem due to its large surface area and papillary structure. For this reason, it is important to use a tongue scraper every day when brushing teeth and to rinse with mouthwash always after brushing; all of this contributes to good oral health and fresh breath.

 

 What are the biggest myths about kissing?

 

Does kissing someone who has braces hurt?

MYTH. There is this concern for people with braces, but the brackets (metal pieces on the teeth) do not hurt the person receiving or giving the kiss.

Is kissing allowed in all countries?

MYTH. There are places in the world where kissing in public is forbidden, and those who disobey this rule can even go to jail.

Is tooth decay transmitted by kissing?

Myth. Cavities are not transmitted through saliva exchange. The idea was discarded because a cavity arises from an imbalance in the demineralization and remineralization process of tooth enamel and due to bacterial plaque.

Can kissing increase stress?              

Myth. During kissing, the level of cortisol, the hormone related to stress, decreases considerably, while the amount of endorphin and oxytocin, which are related to pleasure and well-being, increases, making kissing an antidepressant and relaxant.

 

 In summary 

Kissing brings comfort, confidence, and a sense of completeness. Therefore, it is the ideal means to establish bonds of unity, love, and desire.