11/10/2025
When two people kiss, they’re not just sharing affection — they’re exchanging microbes.
A study in the Microbiome Journal found that a single 10-second kiss can transfer around 80 million bacteria between partners.
Those who kiss about nine times a day develop nearly identical saliva microbiomes, meaning their oral bacteria become the same.
The act may even help train the immune system — love literally reshapes your microbiome. 💋🧬
📄 Source:
Kort, R. et al. Shaping the oral microbiota through intimate kissing. Microbiome 2, 41 (2014).