5 Diseases You Can Catch From Kissing

Knowing a potential significant other’s sexually transmitted disease status is mandatory these days. But is there, even more, to be concerned about?

It seems as though before you even kiss goodnight, you may want to check your date’s dental records. Studies show that cavities and gum disease are contagious—and can be transmitted through swapping spit, just like colds and flu. In fact, some experts estimate that up to 500 different germs can be transmitted in a single kiss.

Saliva and the mouth are full of viruses and bacteria, including some that cause cavities and gum disease. Kissing a partner who is actively infected with gum disease or cavity-causing bacteria can cause a person who previously had a low concentration of these bacteria to ‘catch’ problems, due to the extra dose of bacteria from kissing—particularly if that person has poor oral habits that set the stage for tooth decay.

1. Periodontitis

In a dental care article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, it was revealed that periodontitis might be passed from parents to children and between intimate partners.

The bacteria that inhabit the periodontal pockets are also present on the oral soft tissues, teeth, tongue and saliva. They can be transferred from one person to another through saliva, intimate kissing, sharing of food, utensils, or toothbrushes, and can result in exposure to saliva that contains the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

2. Herpes

Oral herpes is most commonly referred to as “cold sores” or “fever blisters.” It’s transmitted through direct contact between an infected area and broken skin or a mucous membrane. More than 50 percent of the U.S. adult population has oral herpes, but symptoms aren’t always visible.

Unfortunately, once you contract the virus, it stays with you forever. Additionally, oral herpes, caused by the herpes simplex type 1 strain, can cause genital herpes. Experts estimate that over 20 percent of new genital herpes cases are caused by herpes simplex type 1 transmitted through oral sex.

3. Syphilis

Syphilis is a highly infectious condition. The sores, which are usually round and open, combine to make syphilis transmissible through kissing. Kissing isn't the most common way to transmit syphilis—oral, anal, and vaginal sex still rank higher. But syphilis rates are currently on the rise, according to the CDC, so this is important to share. If you or your partner has syphilis-related sores in your mouth, they (and the virus itself) should clear up with the help of doctor-prescribed antibiotics.

While the chances of passing infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV through saliva aren't usually worth worrying about, that changes if one of you has a cut or sore in your mouth. Experts say that any time there's an open sore and/or blood present, theoretically, an infection could be transmitted orally.

4. Strep Throat

"Strep" bacteria are highly contagious, and they spread through airborne droplets. This means that tiny droplets containing the bacteria are released into the air when someone with strep breathes, coughs, kisses someone or sneezes.

To prevent transmission of periodontitis between family members or intimate partners, it is important to follow proper dental care and oral hygiene techniques that include daily brushing and flossing and to see a dental care provider routinely and possibly a Periodontist for professional cleanings and examinations.

Now, the good news: Most people have natural defenses in their immune systems that protect them from infection. However, if you do have gum issues, it is a good idea to avoid kissing infants and those with compromised immune systems (including people with chronic diseases) on the mouth, says Reynolds.

5. Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that affects the salivary glands, causing them to swell. It usually spreads via airborne droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person. Easily preventable by vaccine, this disease is no longer as common as it once was, though outbreaks in unvaccinated groups still sporadically occur.

Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite. Recovering from mumps takes about two weeks, and treatment usually focuses on relieving the symptoms.

And don’t let wet kisses scare you: In fact, bacteria are more likely to lurk in a dry mouth.

Even if your partner has gum disease, you don’t have to stop smooching. Just take extra effort to practice good oral hygiene, which of course includes regular brushing and flossing, and see your dentist every six months.