No tongue!

French kissing can be so dirty

Scientists say more than 40,000 parasites and 250 types of bacteria are exchanged during a typical French kiss.

The study says couples also exchange 0.7 gram of protein, 0.45 gram of fat and 0.19 gram of other organic substances.

The results come from a study carried out to publicise the advantages of good oral hygiene in Sweden.

Swedish pharmacies taking part in the campaign are also looking for a couple to break the world record in kissing on Valentine's Day.

They urge people to eat healthily, brush their teeth under medical supervision and use different types of dental floss in preparation for the competition.

The marathon kiss will be broadcast live on the Swedish Pharmaceutical Association's website on February 14.

They say they want to urge responsible kissing, which can have advantages as well; for example, if the couple chosen beats the last record, the Swedes estimate they will have burned at least 7,436 calories.

The current French-kissing record is held by Louisa Almedovar and Rich Langley, from New Jersey, who kissed for 30 hours, 59 minutes, and 27 seconds in 2001.

Original story