One kiss can transfer 80 million bacteria between mouths
The night sky is perfect, the air is crisp, and no one's around. It's time to end your date with a kiss, right? Sure — if you're comfortable swapping 80 million bacteria with those lips, too.
According to a study published Monday in the journal Microbiome, one open-mouth kiss can transfer 80 million bacteria between mouths. Study author Remco Kort tested the bacteria content of 21 couples in the Netherlands before and after a 10-second French kiss and found, quite romantically, "the bacteria on the tongues of couples was much more similar than the oral bacteria of two strangers."
Lest this deter you from accepting a big ol' smooch from your next suitor, the researchers suggest that this prolific sharing of bacteria could actually be healthy. "There are a number of studies that show if the diversity in bacteria increases... this is a good thing," Kort says, because it might help your body build up resistance to other microorganisms. Swoon.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kimberly Alters is the news editor at TheWeek.com. She is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
People of the year 2024
In the Spotlight Remember the people who hit the headlines this year?
By The Week UK Published
-
The Christmas quiz 2024
From the magazine Test your grasp of current affairs and general knowledge with our quiz
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: December 25, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published