Why Humans Kiss

Have you ever stopped and wondered about why kissing is a thing and when it became a popular expression of love? It seems like a strange habit that humanity must have picked up from somewhere.

Why Do We Kiss?

One of the most obvious answers to why humans kiss has to do with the amount of nerve endings in the lips. Nerves are packed quite densely into our lips, making them very sensitive. In short, we like kissing because it makes us feel good.

However, kissing has a place in many different human behaviors and many of them have nothing to do with sexual desire. We kiss our friends, our relatives, and our children as a way of expressing love and affection. In fact, it’s been estimated that around 90-95% of human beings across the world engages in kissing behavior is some way or another.

However, kissing is not universal to humans. After fighting with one another, chimpanzees will often kiss as a form of reconciliation. In fact, some chimps will plant a kiss on another to avoid conflict before it begins! Other animals, such as elephants, squirrels, and bears engage in kissing behavior, although scientists aren’t sure of their motives. This proves that kissing is instinctual instead of learned behavior.

While there are many unanswered questions about kissing, scientists are busy studying it. The science of kissing (known as Philematology) is becoming more and more popular, as we strive to learn more about love and attraction.

To make sure your mouth, teeth, lips, and breath are ready to smooch your Valentine this year, please contact Coastal Periodontics. Our office is located in Portsmouth, NH.