Why do we kiss on the mouth? Know the scientific explanation

The act of kissing with another person has transcended borders, becoming a widespread manifestation of intimacy and human connection. But why do human beings give each other kisses? What is the origin and meaning behind this practice so deeply rooted in our society? We explain it to you in this article.

The kiss, specifically the romantic-sexual one, in its most literal description, is a gesture that involves the physical contact of the lips and the exchange of saliva between two people. However, this description falls short for an act that has inspired millions of artistic expressions. The kiss carries a strong emotional component and can convey a wide range of feelings. Usually, we kiss to express love and sexual desire, so it is related to both tenderness and passion. Likewise, it triggers a series of reactions in the body that provide a feeling of well-being.

We suggest you read: Do you want to be happier? Raise your serotonin naturally

Do all human beings kiss?

Although we think that kisses are a universal expression, the truth is that they are not seen in the same way everywhere. Although, in Latin America and other regions, kisses are daily and public expressions, there are areas where kissing is a practice frowned upon in public, which only corresponds to intimacy. Whether for religious reasons or social customs, in many countries in Africa and Asia, public kissing is frowned upon. For this reason, the Turkish series do not have kisses of passion in their love stories or in the Qatar World Cup there were restrictions on expressions of affection. However, in Western cultures there was also a time when public kissing was frowned upon and, for example, the first movie scenes showing it caused a stir.

However, that they are not public, does not mean that kisses do not exist. In fact, the exact origin of the kiss is the subject of debate in the academy. Some argue that it is an innate instinct present in human beings since ancient times, while others argue that it may be a practice acquired throughout history and social evolution. Research published in the American Anthropologist Magazine , which analyzed data from 168 cultures from a wide range of geographic locations, historical backgrounds, and social structures, found that only 46% of the cultures investigated had evidence of practicing romantic-sexual kissing.

Regardless of its origin and spread, it is clear that the kiss has been an integral part of human life for millennia for many cultures. In fact, there is multiple evidence of that. A publication in Science Magazine maintains that there are Bronze Age manuscripts from India, from approximately 1500 BC. C., which show evidence of kissing. Likewise, there is research showing that kissing on the lips was documented in ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq and Syria) and Egypt from at least 2500 BC. c.

Why do we kiss on the mouth?

Different researchers and researchers, such as the renowned Helen Fisher, maintain that kissing the lips, in the first place, is an adaptive means of evaluating the health and genetic compatibility of a potential couple. This has been corroborated by finding in our closest relatives the apes, such as bonobos or chimpanzees, the practice of kissing instinctively to manage their relationships with others.

In this sense, the kiss brought evolutionary benefits for human beings, because through this contact, at a biological level, indications of the health of a couple are provided. It also allowed contact with certain bacteria, to develop resistance and adapt to them. However, there are also studies that maintain that they caused many infections and diseases to spread around the world more quickly.

In today’s society, it is a practice that tests another person’s romantic interest and social and sexual attunement. Undoubtedly, it is a practice culturally learned and motivated by all the artistic creations around it. But why are kisses so popular? The answer is that they trigger a series of bodily reactions that make us want more and more.

benefits of kissing

They activate your happiness hormones: kissing causes the brain to release a cocktail of chemicals related to pleasure. This is why they make you feel good. These substances are oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, which, on the one hand, generate euphoria and satisfaction, but also foster feelings of affection and togetherness. This, at the same time, has a stress-reducing effect because it lowers cortisol.

They are a gift to your heart: kissing can cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. This can also have pain-reducing effects.

Strengthen emotional ties: intimate and affectionate kisses help strengthen emotional ties and the bond between couples. Physical contact, such as kissing, releases oxytocin, which promotes feelings of closeness, trust, and attachment.

They help burn more calories: Kissing can be a fun and active way to burn calories. A passionate kiss can increase your heart rate and activate certain muscles, which can result in energy expenditure similar to light exercise.