Wednesday, August 1, 2007,1:24 AM

...it helps prevent tooth decay. Dr. Peter Gorden explains. "After eating, your mouth is full of sugar solution and acidic saliva, which cause plaque build up. Kissing...stimulates saliva flow and brings plaque levels down to normal."
...it relieves tension. A passionate kiss is a great relaxation technique, says stress consultant, Michelle Kay Mcnabb. "When your mouth is in a kissing position, you're almost smiling and, as our emotions and body language are so closely linked, it's almost impossible to smile and feel tense at the same time," she explains. "Also, your breathing becomes deeper and your eyes close when you kiss - that's what you do when you relax. It's a perfect way to shut out the world."
...it helps you lose weight. "A long kiss makes the metabolism burn up sugar faster than usual," says Claire Potter. "The calories burned depend on the intensity."
...it slows the ageing process. "Kissing helps to tone your cheek and jaw muscles, so they're less likely to sag," says Fitness Consultant, Claire Potter.
...it increases fitness levels. "If kissing is exciting, you release adrenaline into the bloodstream and your heart pumps more blood around your body," says Dr. Susan Hotchkies. "It's a great cardiovascular workout."
...it is a good indication of what's to come. Kissing a new man gives you the perfect opportunity to check out his pheromones - the chemical messengers that signal sexual attraction." The first kiss is always a good way to work out if there's any chemistry between you," says Paul Brown, a sexual and marital therapist.
...it boosts self-esteem. "In theory, when you're kissing, you're happy. And when you're happy, you feel good about yourself," says psychotherapist Paul Zeal.

nat*Rockin