Dr Franklin advises 'Brushing and flossing teeth at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal. If problems persist, go to your dentist for a check-up and ask your doctor to check that you are not suffering from a digestive problem,' says Dr Franklin. Beards, tongues and aftershave Beards, moustaches and pierced tongues can all harbour bacteria. Make sure that you wash your beard regularly using your usual shampoo or soap, and that you brush around the stud or ring if your tongue is pierced. Both stubble and aftershave can irritate the skin of others, so go clean-shaven and easy on the aftershave.
All animals carry viruses that can be passed to humans.
Some, especially cats, carry toxoplasmosis , an infection which can be very harmful to pregnant women and can cause blindness in children. Diseases and infections Kissing can pass on a number of infections, from minor coughs, colds and cold sores to more serious disease such as HIV and glandular fever. Saliva on its own does not transmit it. However, it is theoretically possible to contract HIV through kissing. This is extremely unlikely.