What Happens When We Tongue Kiss?
Tongue kissing, also known as French kissing, is an intimate act that involves the touching and intertwining of tongues between partners. While it may seem like a simple gesture of affection or desire, tongue kissing triggers a surprising range of physical, emotional, and even chemical reactions in the body.
At a biological level, tongue kissing is a highly sensory experience. The mouth is full of nerve endings, especially the tongue, which makes kissing extremely pleasurable. When tongues meet, they stimulate these nerves, sending signals to the brain’s pleasure centers. This often leads to the release of dopamine—a chemical associated with reward and motivation—creating feelings of excitement, arousal, and connection.
Tongue kissing also plays a role in mate selection, though this happens subconsciously. Our saliva contains chemical cues called pheromones, which help us assess compatibility. During a deep kiss, these chemical signals are exchanged, and our brains evaluate them to determine sexual attraction. That’s one reason why people often describe feeling instant chemistry—or a lack of it—after kissing someone.
In addition to dopamine, kissing triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin helps build emotional bonds and trust between partners. This is especially significant in romantic relationships, as it strengthens feelings of closeness and attachment.
However, it’s not all romance and fireworks. Tongue kissing can also transmit bacteria and viruses, such as the common cold, mononucleosis (“the kissing disease”), and even cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. While these risks are generally low, they are important to be aware of, especially when kissing someone new or when one person is sick.
Interestingly, tongue kissing can even have health benefits. It may boost immunity by exposing us to our partner’s microbiome, and the act itself can reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Additionally, kissing burns a few calories—about 2 to 6 per minute—and can increase heart rate, much like light exercise.
In summary, tongue kissing is far more than a romantic gesture. It’s a multisensory, hormonal, and emotional experience that influences attraction, deepens intimacy, and even impacts our health. Whether as a way to express love or passion, it’s a complex act that connects people on multiple levels—physically, chemically, and emotionally.