The practice of kissing children on the lips is a controversial issue with many differing opinions. In addition to its potential impact on children's understanding of personal boundaries, there are also some associated health risks.
Parents can consider the following when deciding whether to engage in this habit:
Kissing a child on the lips, especially before their baby teeth appear, can be harmful. The transmission of saliva can spread bacteria, affecting your child's soft tissues and gums, potentially leading to gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene in children can also contribute to this condition, and kissing your child's mouth may be an additional risk factor.
Tooth decay is common, especially in children and adults. Kissing your child on the lips may increase their chance of developing this disease.
Baby teeth are not as strong as permanent teeth and are therefore more susceptible to bacterial attack. Because children's tooth enamel is thinner, they are more susceptible to tooth decay.
Kissing your child on the lips not only causes dental problems but can also lead to allergic reactions.
This can be particularly harmful to newborn babies when you unknowingly transfer food particles or cosmetic products to their skin. Consequently, the baby may develop allergies to certain foods or artificial ingredients commonly found in skincare products.
When you kiss your children on the lips, you can transmit viruses that weaken their immune systems.
Although these viruses may resemble a common cold, they can be particularly dangerous for infants since their immune systems are still developing.
