Everyone seems to know how to kiss these days, the question is are you aware of the disadvantages of kissing?
Regardless of how good you’re at kissing, you might have asked some funny questions about kissing such as “can much-kissing damage our lips?” “what’s the difference between light kissing and deep kissing?” But wait, are you really good at kissing?
Are you planning to kiss anyone in the near future or you’re already kissing someone before you bumped into this post? Is it really right to kiss someone, is there any risk of kissing? Let’s talk it out on this post, following several scientific discoveries about infections transmittable by kissing.
You shouldn’t make me feel like I’m the only one who ever asked: “is lip kiss harmful?” You too might have asked “is kissing safe?” and wonder what could be the disadvantages of kissing someone?
Growing up into adulthood has several challenges, especially at puberty stage when you begin to see several changes on your body that needs proper interpretations. I and some of my friends had a whole lot of questions to ask about intimacy, relationship, hugs, the types of kissing and which one is safe.
Due to several stereotypes about teenage pregnancies and spread of STIs, we have asked several questions like “can lip kiss cause pregnancy?” “can you get sick from kissing?” “does lip kissing affect periods?” I grew up and learned from experts the accurate answers backed by sciences to all the long-time teenage bugging questions which I will be sharing with everyone here on this blog as time ticks.
No matter what appears to be the benefits of kissing and what could be said in praise of having a kiss, whether lip or “deep kissing” and the “when you kiss someone and it feels right” common sayings. The truth remains that kissing alone has several disadvantages that you would consider its better not to kiss anyone and save your life from infections that can mess with it.
What diseases can be transmitted through kissing?
1. Kissing can lead to a cold sore
Having a kiss with someone who has cold sore can easily infect you with the disease. A common of a life long virus transmittable through kissing is the Herps simplex virus type 1, this does not have to involve sex to be contacted. More than 50% of the U.S. adult population has oral herpes, but symptoms aren’t always visible.
Cold sores can appear like fluid-filled blisters around the mouth or close to the mouth region or on the genital for Herps II.
2. Kissing can expose you to Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a viral infection that can be spread by kissing an infected person.
Unfortunately, CMV has no total cure. In most cases, persons with CMV may never have symptoms like the herpes simplex virus symptoms.
3. Gum disease is transmittable through kissing
Gum disease is also known as periodontitis and gingivitis may not spread through kissing but the bacteria causing it can easily be spread by kissing someone who has it.
Mostly when plaques build up under the gum line, gum disease can be detected.
4. Mononucleosis spreads through kissing
Mononucleosis is a disease caused by the EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) transmittable through saliva. This is one of the saliva related diseases also known as “mono” or “the kissing disease”. The symptoms of the Mononucleosis disease are similar to those of the flu and include sore throat, fatigue, muscle weakness, fever and swollen lymph glands.
There’s currently no treatment for the Mononucleosis disease transferable through a kiss, but over the counter medication can be used in managing the infection. Research has it that people between the ages of 15 and 30 and anyone who is regularly in contact with a lot of people are at risk of getting infected.
5. Kissing can expose you to HIV
There are several other blood-borne viruses that can quickly spread by kissing an infected person. It is true that HIV is basically transmitted through sem_n, vaginal fluids and blood.
Yet, it is possible that you or the other person have a tear in the mouth which can be caused due to hard brushing or other underlying infections. They both leave a room for possible blood exchange that will spread HIV by kissing.
BONUS: Questions about kissing
Is kissing safe?
I will place my findings to the above question around the following other questions “is lip kissing safe?” and “is french kissing safe?” under the same section as they both have the same or similar chances of getting you infected.
Since you have seen the kissing diseases list, you will agree with the scientific conclusions that kissing has small or significant health risk as you’re prone to mouth to mouth transferable infections such as; herpes simplex virus type 1, tooth decay, glandular fever etc.
Obviously, you can get STDs from kissing on the lips, or during a french kiss that involves the slight opening of the mouth and passing your tongue across into the other person’s mouth.
Can I kiss My Boyfriend If He Has Chlamydia?
There’s usually no other way to get chlamydia other than sexually. You can’t transmit chlamydia through hugging or kissing and sharing of drinking glasses.
Things to try while kissing
For your own safety and that of others, observe the following risk-free kissing rule:
- Avoid kissing someone new to you, less you know their medical history.
- Do not kiss when you or the other person is sick
- Build a good oral hygiene
- Checking your body system can help detect the early stage of infection
- Take vaccines for infection preventions
- Do not kiss anyone with a sore at the mouth region.
In Summary…
Aside from these 5 reasons not to kiss according to science, there are several other disadvantages of kissing which can mess your life for several months or more includes allergies.
Kissing someone can cause several allergies too, like for example, kissing someone who ate or drink substances you’re allergic to can make you experience an allergic reaction. Brushing your mouth thoroughly after eating and knowing things your partner is allergic to, can help.
Like I said earlier, this particular post isn’t just about whether there exist advantages and disadvantages of kissing before marriage. It is solely centred on the side effects of kissing in ramification, be it kissing on the lips or a french kiss.
At this point, I believe you agree with me that there’s no need to kiss anyone without making sure they’re free from certain infections that can be transferred by kissing “saliva related diseases”. It feels good to kiss, but how does it feel to contract an infection due to kissing? You already know what it could present, as some of them are incurable and comes with invisible symptoms. How these types of kissing infections can put you off for months, the pains and money that could be spent in curing or managing it if it is a life long oral infection.
Do not be afraid to get tested or ask your partner to be tested in order to be sure that neither of you can spread diseases by kissing. Open discussions like this, can chase away anxieties and several other uncertainties around the relationship and creates a more fulfilling experience.
Sources:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/kissing-and-your-health
https://www.ksat.com/health/2016/02/12/nine-diseases-you-can-get-from-kissing/
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a8687514/scary-kissing-facts/
