I’m a dentist – here’s how a passionate kiss can help protect you from nasty infections
WE all love a cheeky snog now and again.
While it might make you feel fuzzy inside, one dentist has said a passionate kiss can also help ward off nasty infections.
Dr Alan Clarke, who is the lead dentist and clinical director at Paste Dental in Belfast said kissing is a great treat for your teeth.
He's urged Brits to kiss more often, and to pay particular attention to injecting a bit more passion.
"Kissing, particularly passionate kissing promotes the production of saliva which in turn keeps your mouth, teeth and gums healthy,"; he said.
While we can't get away from the fact that smooching involves swapping saliva with someone else, Dr Clarke said bacteria in the mouth isn't always a bad thing.
"Some organisms in your saliva can actually help decrease bacterial growth.
"Such organisms can stop the growth of bacteria responsible for oral thrush, or some streptococcus bacteria that could play a role in tooth decay," he said.
The expert added that kissing can also boost your immune system, with the healthy bacteria exposure also strengthening your body's resistance to infectious organisms.
"80 per cent of your salivary bacteria is common to everyone, only 20 per cent is unique to you.
Most read in Health
"Kissing stimulates your body to create antibodies, offering future help fighting against harmful infections," he said.
Another dentist previously advised that you should kiss for four minutes a day on top of brushing and flossing.
Orthodontist Dr Khaled Kasem said saliva neutralises the acids that sits on your teeth which helps to reduce your risk of getting tooth decay. It can also wash bacteria off your teeth to reduce stubborn oral plaque.
“So keep kissing if you want nice breath and healthy teeth," he added.
When not to go in for a passionate kiss
Dr Clarke said you might be rushing in to give your partner a kiss after reading of the benefits.
However, he advised going in for a kiss if you or the other person is sick or has an active cold sore around the lips or mouth.
"If you do, you risk catching the same condition," he said.
Dr Clarke said that a strict brushing and flossing regime will help keep conditions like gum disease at bay, which is key if you're going in for a peck.
He said that if you or your partner don't have good oral hygiene then you could risk passing on bacteria to one another.