The Dangers of Kissing

A lot of times we talk about the dangers of having sex resulting in STD’s, STI’s, unwanted pregnancies, and emotional heartbreaks, but no one ever discusses the risks involved with kissing. Lip to lip contact is thought to be one of the most innocent forms of exchange. Beware that there are dangerous microorganisms lurking in mouths and kissing is the perfect way to transport them.

According to webdental.com and betterhealth.vic.gov.au there are a number of different viruses, bacteria, and diseases that can be transmitted by kissing. I've compiled a short list below. 

      Common Colds: are upper respiratory tract infections. It can spread by direct contact with the virus, from airborne droplets, or from direct contact with secretions from the infected person’s nose and throat.

o   Symptoms: Sore throat, Clear, watery nasal drainage; Sneezing; Fatigue; and Cough.

      Infectious Mononucleosis (kissing disease)/ Glandular Fever: is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

o   Symptoms: High fever, Sore throat (this can be severe and mistaken for tonsillitis), Tiredness and lack of energy, Loss of appetite, Weight loss, Swollen tender glands (in the neck and around the body), Headache, Muscle pains, Occasionally a fine red rash and sometimes an enlarged, tender spleen.

      Herpes Infection: include Epstein-Barr, varicella-zoster (causes chickenpox) and herpes simplex (causes cold sores) viruses. Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) can be spread through direct contact with the virus when kissing. It can manifest itself as a cold sore and is most contagious when the sore is open and leaking fluid.

Cold Sore

o   Symptoms: Symptoms usually begin about 8 days after exposure to HSV-1 Fever (especially during the first episode), Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes), A tingling feeling at the affected area and a cluster (usually more than one) of clear, fluid-filled blisters that may be surrounded by redness -- these blisters may or may not be painful. People with HSV-1 infection are infected for life, may have periodic outbreaks, and can transmit the virus to others.

      

      Hepatits-B: is easily transmitted through blood, but it may also be transmitted through saliva as well especially if they have open sores in or around the mouth. The same holds true for hepatitis A and C, which can be transmitted through saliva.

o   Symptoms: Symptoms usually appear about three months after you've been infected and can range from mild to severe.  Abdominal pain, Dark urine, Fever, Joint pain, Lost of appetite, Nausea and vomiting, Weakness and fatigue, and Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice). Most infants and children with hepatitis B never develop signs and symptoms. The same is true for some adults.

      Warts: if they are located in the mouth can be spread through kissing. Venereal warts, also called condyloma, are a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that affects the skin or mucous membranes. The virus may cause cauliflower-like fleshy growths in moist areas in and around the sex organs. In many cases, warts are not visible to the naked eye.

o   Symptoms: Venereal warts appear as soft, fleshy growths that vary in size, are frequently painless and can be raised, pointed or flat. The warts may appear singularly or in clusters.

      Meningococcal Meningitis: is life-threatening or can be. It includes meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia. This can be passed through deep kissing.

Meningococcal Meningtitis Rash

o   Symptoms: General poor feeling, Sudden high fever, Severe, persistent headache; Neck stiffness; Nausea or vomiting; Discomfort in bright lights; Drowsiness or difficulty wakening; Joint pain; and Confusion or other mental changes. A reddish or purple skin rash is a very important sign to watch for. If it does not turn white when you press a glass against it, the rash may be a sign of blood poisoning. This is a medical emergency.

      Hand, Foot and Mouth Diseases: is caused by the Coxsackie virus and is spread through open sores in the mouth. It is especially spread through fecal-oral interaction.

o   Symptoms: Symptoms usually appear in three to seven days. Fever, Sore throat, Feeling of being unwell, Painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks; A red rash, without itching but sometimes with blistering, on the palms, soles and sometimes the buttocks; Irritability in infants and toddlers; and Loss of appetite.  

    

      Tooth Decay:  is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. There is a strong transmission between mother and child after their teeth have erupted.

o   Symptoms: Tooth Decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or infected tooth. When this occurs, symptoms include Toothache, Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth, White, gray, brown, or black spots on the teeth; Loose fillings; and a broken tooth or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure, sweets, extreme liquid temperatures, or gum.

Gum Disease

      Gum Disease: caused by the bacterium Streptococcus which also causes strep throat.

o   Symptoms: Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth; Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food; Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before; Loose or separating teeth; Pus between your gums and teeth; Sores in your mouth; Persistent bad breath; A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite; and a change in the fit of partial dentures. If not treated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

This list does not include all of the possible infections or symptoms that can result from kissing. If you want further information or are concerned that you are experiencing one of the above medical issues please do further research and or consult your local medical provider.

Take control of your health!

Do you think that kissing is dangerous? Leave your thoughts below.