A Dutch study indicates that just one ten-second kiss may pass on as many as 80 million bacteria.
Dutch scientists found that couples who kissed nine times a day were more likely to share saliva bacteria.
Previous studies indicate that the human mouth may host over 700 different bacterial species. The new research shows that certain types of these bacteria are transmitted more easily than others.
Researchers Study Kissing and Bacteria
A group of researchers in the Netherlands used interviews to chart the kissing habits of 21 couples.
They then took bacterial samples from the participants’ tongues and saliva both before and after a ten-second kiss.
Next, one partner consumed a probiotic drink containing a mix of easily traceable bacteria.
When the couple shared a second kiss afterward, researchers measured how many bacteria were passed to the other partner—around 80 million in total.
The researchers found that the bacterial makeup of saliva shifted quickly after a kiss, whereas the bacteria on the tongue stayed relatively consistent.
“French kissing is a clear example of being exposed to a massive number of bacteria in a very short period,” said Remco Kort, the study’s lead professor.
However, only a small number of bacteria passed through a kiss appear to actually take hold on the tongue. The researcher called for more studies to explore how bacteria attach to the tongue.
He added that this line of research could eventually lead to new therapies aimed at fighting harmful bacteria and supporting people with bacterial-related health issues.
Microbiology Museum
Dutch researchers collaborated with Micropia, widely regarded as the world’s first museum dedicated to microbes and located in Amsterdam.
In a newly opened exhibit, couples kiss and receive an instant analysis of the bacteria they exchange.
More scientists are studying the microbiome, an ecosystem of about 100 trillion microbes in the body.
Researchers believe these microbial communities may play a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease.
Read the original article on: G1
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