Buzz
It might seem like an odd question, but can excessive kissing harm our lips? While passionate kissing offers numerous health benefits—such as fostering emotional connections, increasing metabolic rates (a fun way to shed some pounds!), and lowering stress levels [source: Victoria]—it’s worth exploring if there are any negative effects.
Scientifically speaking, kissing triggers the brain to release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and relaxation. This, in turn, activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure. Essentially, kissing can produce a similar response to indulging in chocolate or even certain drugs, minus the calories or health risks [source: Ahlstrom].
Beyond its emotional significance—expressing affection, attraction, or love—kissing can pose health risks. Viruses like herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), responsible for cold sores, and diseases such as syphilis, mononucleosis, glandular fever, the common cold, and the flu can all be transmitted through kissing. On average, an open-mouthed kiss can transfer approximately 250 bacterial colonies [source: Harrison].
But how does it affect our lips? The mouth harbors bacteria and saliva, which, though generally harmless, can irritate the delicate skin of the lips. Unlike the rest of the body’s skin, which has about 16 layers, lips are much thinner, with only three to five layers. In fact, the skin on our lips is so thin that its color comes from the blood-filled capillaries in the underlying mucous membrane.
Additionally, our lips face the added challenge of being situated near the mouth, where saliva is constantly produced. This saliva contains digestive enzymes like amylase and maltase, which, while aiding food digestion, can also weaken the delicate skin of the lips when we lick them [source: Gardner].
Kissing further exposes the lips to saliva. Whether it’s a quick peck or a deep, passionate kiss, saliva is transferred from the mouth to the lips. This exchange, while potentially causing minor harm, is also believed by some researchers to boost our immune systems [source: Victoria].
Despite its potential to harm the lips, saliva is crucial in kissing. It carries hormones like testosterone, which enhances sexual desire and sensitivity in both genders [source: Blackwell Publishing]. This makes kissing a worthwhile activity for many, despite its minor risks. Moreover, saliva helps cleanse bacteria and reduce oral plaque [source: Lerche Davis].
