A French Kiss Transfers 80 Million Bacteria

New research by scientists shows that the famous 'French kiss', where the tongues of two individuals make full contact, can transfer up to 80 million bacteria between them. This new study conducted by a group of Dutch scientists indicates that there are about 700 different species of bacteria found in the mouth, most of which are beneficial and healthy. The research was published in the journal Microbiome and is based on findings from 21 different couples. According to the report, couples who kiss each other on the lips and mouth 9 times a day are more exposed to the transfer of saliva microbes. The study states that if saliva contact lasts for about 10 seconds, up to 80 million bacteria can be transferred between individuals, and the shorter individual usually receives a larger share of these bacteria due to gravity. No research has yet been conducted on the harmfulness of the bacteria transferred by kissing. The study also notes that mouth-to-mouth contact is observed in many animal species, including fish, birds, and primates, serving various purposes such as assessing physical abilities and transferring food. However, the French kiss as performed by humans is unique to mankind and exists in over 90% of human cultures. Kissing in humans can also be used to assess the partner; according to the Canadian newspaper National Post, findings from evolutionary psychologists at the State University of New York show that 59% of men and 66% of women say that poor 'quality' of kissing has caused them to end a budding relationship.