Just one kiss 'spreads 80 million bugs'

Conclusion This study has investigated the effects of intimate, or french kissing, on the bacteria found in the mouth. By studying 21 couples, it found the bacteria on the tongue are more similar among partners than unrelated individuals, but are not correlated with kissing behaviour. In contrast, the researchers found that for bacteria in saliva to be similar, couples need a relatively high kiss frequency and a short time since their last kiss. The researchers also estimated that a 10-second kiss transfers 80 million bacteria. These results suggest that kissing transfers many bacteria, but many of the transferred bacteria are not able to take hold on the tongue. This is interesting research, but the findings have limited implications. They do not tell us whether kissing is beneficial or not – for example, in terms of causing illness or, conversely, increasing our immunity by exposure to a greater range of bacteria. Though, of course, a kiss with the right person can be fun. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines One kiss 'shares 80 million bugs'. BBC News, November 17 2014 Kissing for ten seconds passes on 80 million bugs - but it keeps you healthy! Bacteria transferred helps improve immune system. Daily Mail, November 17 2014 Links To Science Kort R, Caspers M, van de Graaf A, et al. Shaping the oral microbiota through intimate kissing. Microbiome. Published online No...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Medical practice Source Type: news