PUCKER up and get smooching, because it’s the perfect day for a snog.
There are some holidays made up by card companies to make sales – mentioning no names – but today’s celebration is all about the people.
It’s International Kissing Day, and what better way to celebrate the moment with a big juicy kiss, right? WRONG. When you find out how many germs and bugs we exchange during kissing you’ll never smooch again.
It’s not just the swapping of saliva you have to worry about, it’s also the bad breath and clashing of teeth causing untold amounts of chaos.
Express.co.uk Lifestyle spoke to Dr Harold Katz, founder of The Breath Company oral health range, about the germs living in our mouths and how to avoid a bacteria-swap while kissing.
What bacteria is shared when two people snog?
During a ten second kiss, 80 million bacteria are transferred on average, from one person to the other. This bacteria is common to all people and part of the natural oral flora in a typical healthy mouth.
How many thousands of bacteria live in the mouth – and which is the most dangerous?
No one really knows how many bacteria live in the mouth, although it would be in the billions. Generally bacteria in your mouth is not contagious, the organisms are not viruses or hostile germs, nor are they infections. Everyone in the world has the same type of bacteria in their mouth (thought they all have different levels of them).
While not dangerous, it is the hostile sulphur producing bacteria you need to be wary of as this is the cause of bad breath.
How can you reduce the number of bacteria living in your mouth?
Proper oral hygiene will help keep your mouth healthy and happy. Always brush for two minutes, floss and then rinse with a alcohol free mouthwash
Eat foods rich in fibre – High fibre foods actually help prevent halitosis
Avoid eating heavily processed foods that contain refined carbohydrates such as cookies, cakes, sweets and ice cream
Clean your mouth after eating meat, fish or dairy products
Drink green and black teas – They contain polyphenols that help eliminate sulfur compounds and reduce oral bacteria
While you’re looking after your health, you should take a look at these top tips on how to avoid sun burn and dehydration this summer.
How many thousands of bacteria live in the mouth – and which is the most dangerous?
No one really knows how many bacteria live in the mouth, although it would be in the billions. Generally bacteria in your mouth is not contagious, the organisms are not viruses or hostile germs, nor are they infections. Everyone in the world has the same type of bacteria in their mouth (thought they all have different levels of them).
While not dangerous, it is the hostile sulphur producing bacteria you need to be wary of as this is the cause of bad breath.
How can you reduce the number of bacteria living in your mouth?
Proper oral hygiene will help keep your mouth healthy and happy. Always brush for two minutes, floss and then rinse with a alcohol free mouthwash
Eat foods rich in fibre – High fibre foods actually help prevent halitosis
Avoid eating heavily processed foods that contain refined carbohydrates such as cookies, cakes, sweets and ice cream
Clean your mouth after eating meat, fish or dairy products
Drink green and black teas – They contain polyphenols that help eliminate sulfur compounds and reduce oral bacteria
While you’re looking after your health, you should take a look at these top tips on how to avoid sun burn and dehydration this summer.
