We currently live in a post-pandemic world, where taking masks off in public is a taboo. We aren’t even able to meet our friends and family, so meeting new people, dating, and smooching is now only available to us in our dreams.
With the whole world going through this long-ass dry spell together, there are only some things we can do to feel closer to each other. In these times when we are not supposed to kiss other people, perhaps we can learn more about kissing itself.
Here are some fun facts about kissing to help you wade through the tear-filled labyrinth of pandemic abstinence.
1. The World’s Longest Kiss Lasted More Than 58 Hours
Ekkachai Tiranarat and Laksana Tiranarat from Thailand participated in a kissathon organised by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Pattaya in 2013 and created a world record. They kissed for 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds!
2. The Scientific Study Of Kissing Is Called Philematology
Derived from the greek words ‘philos’ meaning earthly love, the science looks into what the act of ‘kissing’ means for different cultures. The study takes into consideration medical science, history, anthropology, and a host of other subjects.
3. You Can Burn Calories By Kissing
It might not help you shed extra pounds, but kissing is known to burn almost two to three calories. If you are kissing ‘passionately’ you can also burn between seven to twenty four calories a minute! It might not be much, but it’s enough incentive.
4. Kissing Can Be Good For Health
Kisses can spread germs as you are exchanging saliva, but kisses can also be beneficial for you according to many studies. It can help reduce dermatitis, blemishes, sagging mental health, and even add a few years to your life.
5. Kisses Are As Unique As Fingerprints
According to study in the Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences, kisses are like snowflakes. Each lip print is different and unique. In theory, kiss prints can be used in court as identification and evidence by the police.
6. Daily Kisses Can Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Human saliva has a lot of minerals in it, and thus might have antibacterial properties. When we kiss, we release more saliva, which can help wash away the plaque on our teeth. This helps prevent tooth decay and keep the teeth healthy.
There are so many benefits to getting a little kissing action. Let us hope we can smooch smooch our loved ones soon!
Social and lead image credit: Eros international, Excel Entertainment, and Junglee Pictures