Pucker up! 8 germs you can catch from kissing

SLIDESHOW - With consequences ranging from catching a virus to bad gingivitis, sometimes a kiss is not just a kiss...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

While some experts say there are health benefits to kissing — including lower stress levels and emotional bonding – there are also aspects of kissing that are quite unhealthy. With consequences ranging from catching a virus to bad gingivitis, sometimes a kiss is not just a kiss. Here’s a look at some of the offenders.

Dr. Tyeese Gaines is a physician-journalist with over 10 years of print and broadcast experience, now serving as health editor for theGrio.com. Dr. Ty is also a practicing emergency medicine physician in New Jersey. Follow her on twitter at @doctorty or on Facebook.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE