Kissing your partner is one of the best ways to show your affection to them. But have you ever wondered the consequences of kissing someone with poor oral health? There is a lot of dental research that explains these consequences and today we will focus on why you should be careful in kissing someone with poor oral health.

Let’s just kick start by saying that the saliva in your mouth carries over 70 types of bacteria, some of which can cause diseases, especially if oral health is not looked after properly. So when you kiss someone, the bacteria and quite possibly the viruses in your mouth can end up in your partners, or in yours. 

In fact, there are a few diseases that are specifically spread through the mouth to mouth or mouth to skin contact.

Viruses are Spread Through Kissing

• Common cold and flu usually easily spread through the mouth to mouth contact, but dentists at Icon Dental Center Seattle and Everett say that more dangerous diseases like hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted through this under limited conditions.

Since there is a worldwide breakout of coronavirus, it is a good idea to avoid kissing anyone other than your long-time partner. Viruses such as coronavirus can also be spread through the mouth to mouth contact.

How to Prevent Diseases From Spreading Through Kissing

• While the above statements may discourage you from kissing someone, it does not mean that there is no solution to this. After all, your saliva also carries many beneficial bacteria that is good for your overall health, so kissing is actually healthy for you.

But here are some precautions to take.

• Avoid kissing someone if you or they are sick
• Do not kiss your partner on the mouth or their lips if they have symptoms of common cold, ulcers, or warts around their lips or in the mouth.
• Maintain good oral health by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Encourage your partner to do so too.
• Visit your dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings bi-annually to make sure your oral health is in pristine condition.
• Get the necessary immunizations from your doctor.

By maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing, and by visiting your dentist on time for cleanings, you can confidently kiss your partner without the worry of making them sick. 

Maintaining your oral hygiene not only ensures that you are free from disease-causing bacteria, but it also ensures that your teeth and gums are in good health. Poor teeth and gum health can lead to several mouth conditions that can make your life miserable. So practice oral hygiene religiously and visit the dentist bi-annually to stay at the top of your game.

For consultations or bookings, call us at (206) 225-2882 for our Seattle Dentist Office and (425) 337-2400 for our Everett Dentist Office.