Yes, you absolutely share bacteria when kissing.
A passionate kiss, particularly one that lasts longer than 10 seconds, results in a significant transfer of bacteria.
Bacterial Transfer During Kissing
| Kiss Duration | Estimated Bacteria Transfer |
|---|---|
| More than 10 seconds | Approximately 80 million |
- According to research published in the journal Microbiome, a kiss lasting longer than 10 seconds can transfer around 80 million bacteria.
- This discovery came from studying 21 couples, ages 17 to 45, who participated in the study.
Practical Insights
- Kissing is a common way to exchange microbes.
- The longer the kiss, the greater the bacterial transfer.
