© Shutterstock

Pro: It helps regulate stress -

Kissing triggers the release of a number of chemicals, including dopamine, which has a crucial role in regulating stress levels. Long-term stress actually lowers dopamine levels, so kissing really can help.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It helps regulate stress -

Being more affectionate in general leads to lower stress levels, and kissing is the ultimate display of affection.

© Shutterstock

Con: You might get more cold sores -

Yes, an increase in painful cold sores is a possible side effect of kissing. So, if you have one, it’s important that you avoid kissing someone on the lips.

© Shutterstock

Con: You might get more cold sores -

Although the herpes virus never really leaves your body, the good news is that it’s not really that serious and cold sores can be treated. Just be careful not to spread them through kissing.

© Shutterstock

Pro: You might get stronger facial muscles -

Yes, every time you kiss someone you use your facial muscles. Like any other muscles in the body, these should also be worked.

© Shutterstock

Pro: You might get stronger facial muscles -

One face muscle in particular—orbicularis oris—plays a crucial role in chewing and swallowing food. So strengthening this muscle through kissing can be helpful.

© Shutterstock

Pro: You might get fewer wrinkles -

Yes, kissing might actually make you look younger! According to assistant research professor Emily Poon, "Muscle growth is increasing the facial volume and counteracting the effects of age-related fat thinning and skin loosening."

© Shutterstock

Con: You get exposed to more germs -

Sharing saliva will increase your exposure to germs. This is, however, not necessarily a bad thing all the time (more on that later). Except in a few cases, of course.

© Shutterstock

Con: You get exposed to more germs -

Many viruses, including some nasty ones like mononucleosis, COVID-19, Ebola, and zika can be transmitted through saliva.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It’s good for your oral health -

One of saliva’s roles is to clean your mouth, washing away any food particles naturally. Saliva also helps combat germs and contains nutrients that help keep your teeth healthy.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It’s good for your oral health -

Kissing someone on the mouth actually boosts saliva production, which in turn can help your oral health. Kissing, however, is not a substitute for good oral hygiene!

© Shutterstock

Con: It can harm your gums and teeth -

On the other hand, passionate kissing can also be bad for your gums and teeth. This is because the germs you share through saliva can be harmful. Some of these may turn sugar into acids that can affect your teeth’s enamel.

© Shutterstock

Con: It can harm your gums and teeth -

If you kiss someone with cavities, bacteria can be transmitted to your mouth via saliva. "Cleansing your mouth with an antiseptic mouth rinse after intimate contact should lessen your susceptibility," advises dentist Emanuel Layliev.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It improves your sleep -

A goodnight kiss can do wonders for your sleep. This display of intimacy can increase the production of oxytocin, aka the love hormone, which lowers the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and helps you relax and have a good night’s sleep.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It improves your sleep -

Some 70% of respondents to a survey conducted by a British bed company reported sleeping better when they kissed their partners before going to sleep.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It strengthens the bond with your partner -

Oxytocin is a powerful chemical. Kissing will increase its release and consequently you’ll feel more connected to your partner.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It strengthens the bond with your partner -

Kissing goes as far as helping couples stay together, often “at least long enough to rear a child,” says researcher Wendy Hill.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It's good for your physical health -

In addition to lowering stress levels, kissing can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It's good for your physical health -

"Blood pressure responds to calmness and peace. If you're in love, you're calmer and more at peace, which could translate into lower blood pressure," explains cardiologist Christopher Suhar.

© Shutterstock

Con: You may have allergic reactions -

If you’re allergic to a certain food and you kiss a person who has recently consumed that food, then there is the possibility of some of those allergens being passed on through saliva.

© Shutterstock

Con: You may have allergic reactions -

Surprisingly, this can happen hours after the food was consumed, and even after brushing one’s teeth. If you eat food you know your partner is allergic to, it’s best to wait for 16 to 24 hours before kissing again.

© Shutterstock

Pro: You burn more calories -

While kissing is no substitute for working out as such, you can burn around two calories a minute doing so, intensely.

© Shutterstock

Pro: You burn more calories -

Though it is possible for this number to go up to 26. Yes, 26 calories per minute! This will obviously depend on a number of factors, including how much you move while you kiss, how intense it is, as well as other factors, such as age, weight, and biological sex.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It strengthens your immune system -

While sharing some germs might not be great for you, exposure to different bacteria can actually help strengthen your immune system.

© Shutterstock

Pro: It strengthens your immune system -

It is estimated that an average of 80 million bacteria are passed on in a single kiss (lasting at least 10 seconds).

© Shutterstock

Con: It can be dangerous for a baby -

Babies have underdeveloped immune systems, making them more susceptible to germs. Kissing can spread lots of germs, so babies are more susceptible to catching viruses and other harmful germs from adults.

© Shutterstock

Con: It can be dangerous for a baby -

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), for instance, is highly common and contagious. And while it may only manifest with mild symptoms in adults, it can be severe in babies.

© Shutterstock

Con: It can be dangerous for a baby -

"Spread of infection through kissing depends on a number of factors, such as where the baby was kissed—near her mouth or nose is worse than on her feet, and kisses on fingers are also worse, as babies can suck their fingers," explains pediatrician Hansa Bhargava.

See also: The science behind falling in love

© Shutterstock