The act of kissing has been around since the beginning of time. Once the hormones start raging in puberty, plenty of people become very familiar with the make-out session. But did you know that kissing can actually be good for your health?
Thanks to modern science, we now know that there are actual physical—dental included—emotional and mental benefits of kissing. Also, it doesn’t necessarily have to be romantic kisses. Kisses between family and friends can also provide these benefits.
Here at Bridge Creek Dental, we are dedicated to helping you have a happy and healthy smile, so here are 7 ways kissing is good for your health.
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Kissing Can Help Reduce Plaque
When kissing—particularly French kissing—there are many bodily functions that are kicked into a higher gear. One of those increased functions is a higher production of saliva.
Saliva is our body’s natural cleaner. With saliva, food is broken down, and the residue is removed from our teeth. Harmful bacteria are also removed from our teeth by saliva, which helps to prevent plaque from building up. Along with these benefits, saliva assists in neutralizing acid, which reduces the number of cavities you develop.
However, there is one thing to watch out for when kissing. If the person has bad breath, they may have an issue with oral bacteria build up. Since you don’t want that bacteria transferred to you, it may be best to have the other person break out their toothbrush before kisses are exchanged.
Fix A Headache With A Smooch
Okay, it would likely take quite a few kisses, but you can take care of a headache with a make-out session. Exchanging kisses—fairly passionate ones that get the blood pumping—can help to dilate your blood vessels.
As your blood vessels open up more, the increased blood flow will help to reduce your headache and can even take care of it altogether. Considering that opening up your blood vessels is the main function of headache medicines, toss the Tylenol and switch to kisses as your preferred headache cure.
Give A Peck For A Face Workout
Depending on the kind of kiss you are giving, you can work anywhere from 2-34 different facial muscles. Giving kisses on a regular basis can be a great way to provide your facial muscles with a workout, and depending on the kissing, you can even work some of your neck muscles.
Along with positively impacting your facial muscles, the movements of kissing can encourage your body to produce more collagen in your face. With more collagen, you can enjoy firmer and plumper facial skin.
Lower Your Stress With Kisses
So, you know how we mentioned that kissing helps dilate your blood vessels? Well, that does more than alleviate headaches. High blood pressure is associated with restricted blood vessels, as is stress. Yet, with some good kisses, you can lower your blood pressure and your stress.
Your cortisol levels are also highly associated with stress and high blood pressure. Yet, as you kiss, your overall cortisol levels are reduced, allowing you to naturally lower your stress and enjoy the moment.
Exchange A Kiss For Dopamine
Unleash a cocktail of feel-good hormones with a kiss. As you kiss, the brain releases the neurotransmitter dopamine as well as other hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins to tell you that kissing is great.
So, if you’re feeling a bit down, it may be time to exchange a kiss for that feel-good hormone boost.
Build Self-Esteem With Kissing
Along with the feel-good boost kissing provides people who share kisses can also enjoy a rise in self-esteem. Part of this is due to the release of hormones, as well as the reduction of cortisol, as it is easier to feel good about one’s self when stress levels are lower.
Interestingly, in a survey of university students, researchers found that those students who hadn’t been kissed had lower self-esteem than their peers, as well as struggling with other issues.
Kisses Can Help Manage Allergies
Okay, last but certainly not least, kissing can help you manage an allergic reaction. According to research, kissing can help reduce skin allergy reactions and other allergic responses that have been associated with dust mites and pollen.
So, with all these benefits to kisses, it is clear that it’s time to put on some lip balm and pucker up for some smooches.