HealthJourno Interview: What to do about diseases you can get through kissing

The mouth generally is seen as the gateway to the stomach and other parts of the body. Experts note
that the mouth contains a mixture of both good and bad bacteria.


The mouth is also exposed to so many germs, infections and diseases. While some of these infections are preventable with good oral hygiene, other conditions, however, can stick around much longer if proper care is not taken.

But did you know that there are many infections that can be spread through mere kissing alone?

Listed below are some of them:

Gum Infection: 
Kissing someone who has gum disease or cavity-causing bacteria can cause someone else who previously had a low concentration of “bad” bacteria to “catch” dental problems, due to the increased concentration of "bad” bacteria, says dentists, especially if that person has poor oral hygiene habits, which sets the stage for tooth decay.

Gum infection, if not properly treated may also be passed from parents to children. From research, the American Academy of Periodontology says more than 75% of adults over 35 have some
form of gum disease.

Hepatitis: 
Regular kissing does not put you at risk but if you are french kissing (with your mouth and tongue) and you both have open wounds (outbreaks) in your mouth, you may be at risk. You may get glandular fever which is also known as the ‘kissing disease’. This virus is found in the saliva of infected people and can be spread through kissing, exposure to coughs, sneezes, sharing eating and drinking utensils such as cups, glasses and unwashed cutlery.

Meningococcal disease: 
Meningococcemia is a bacteria that spreads through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like your saliva (kissing).

To be on the safer side, don’t kiss children or people with a compromised immune system, sores, open sores, outbreaks or wounds in the mouth and do not share utensils, drinking glasses, or water bottles with children.

Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid kissing when you notice that you have an active cold sore, warts or ulcers around the lips or in the mouth to curb the spread.

If you have a sore throat, swollen glands in your neck or in other parts of your body, and if you have been feeling very tired and unwell, you may have kissing fever. Go to your doctor to get it checked out.

Remember that kissing can transmit many germs also, including those that cause cold sores and tooth decay,  so see your doctor if you are sick.

Lastly, visit your dentist regularly because that bleeding gums may put you at risk of unwanted organisms in your mouth so watch out.

Compiled by Health Journo's Temidayo Williams with help from dentists at County Hospital, Ogba, Lagos